Transcription: Upgraded Charges
FWIW. Here is my unofficial transcript of two reports regarding the upgrade of charges from second to first degree murder against Douglas Garland.
These transcripts are not connected with any of the parties involved in the production of the story or those people who are part of the story. All errors are my own.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Calgary/ID/2668104282/
News Calgary (Late Night) May 27, 2015
CBC Calgary
News Anchor: Kristina Barnes = KB
Alvin Liknes's niece: Barb Beaudry = BB
Reporter: Meghan Grant
Defence Attorney: Kim Ross = KR
KB: Douglas Garland will stand trial on three charges of first degree murder. That decision from a Calgary judge today upgrading the charge he will face in connection to the death of five year old Nathan O'Brien. Meghan Grant has the details.
MG: After seven days of evidence, a sudden, quick decision from the judge this afternoon.
KR: The proceedings the last couple of weeks was just a preliminary inquiry. and the threshold test on a preliminary is very low, so we were anticipating that this matter will be going to trial, and it will proceed to trial now.
MG: Douglas Garland will stand trial for three counts of first degree murder. He's accused of killing Alvin and Kathy Liknes and their grandson, five year old Nathan O'Brien, on June 30th, last year.
Their bodies were never found despite massive searches that lasted weeks and covered numerous areas across, even outside the city.
Garland had business dealings with Alvin Liknes, and a sister lived with Alvin's son. Family members have said there was bad blood between the two men.
BB: It was awful. He's a monster.
MG: Barb Beaudry's uncle was Alvin Liknes. The family is cautiously pleased at this step in the court process.
BB: First degree is better, you know, but I wish he'd just pled guilty and not have to go through it all. Again.
MG: The witnesses, their evidence from this preliminary inquiry is protected by a publication ban. Garland remained emotionless, but engaged, throughout the hearing often taking notes.
BB: I think he needs to know that, you know, we're watching. It doesn't, doesn't bring anybody back, but, you know, my cousins just wanted you guys to know that they've had wonderful support from family, and the public, and friends. And, and that doesn't bring anyone back, but it makes it a little more tolerable.
MG: It's unclear how long this trial will be. Some estimates put it between six and eight weeks. Ross is hopeful it will be set for some time in 2016. The matter is back in court on July 31st. At that time, the trial date could be set. Maggie Grant. CBC News. Calgary.
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http://globalnews.ca/news/2021062/d...l-for-murders-of-calgary-couple-and-grandson/
News Hour Calgary - Douglas Garland to stand trial for murders of Calgary couple and grandson
May 27, 2015 2:43
Alvin Liknes's niece: Barb Beaudry = BB
Reporter: Nancy Hixt
Defence Attorney: Kim Ross = KR
NH: Barb Beaudry, along with the rest of the Liknes and O'Brien families, has been on an emotional roller coaster for nearly a year. Beaudry has been attending the preliminary inquiry for Douglas Garland, the man accused of killing her aunt and uncle.
BB: It was awful. He's a monster.
NH: Late Wednesday, a judge ordered 55 year old Garland to stand trial for two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Alvin and Kathy Liknes. The judge also ordered Garland to stand trial for the first degree murder of their grandson, five year old Nathan O'Brien. That's upgraded from the previous charge of second degree murder.
BB: I mean,to me, first degree is better, you know, but I wish he'd just pled guilty and not have to through it all. Again.
NH: Garland's defence lawyer, Kim Ross, is now anticipating a six week trial.
KR: The threshold test on a preliminary is very low so we are anticipating that this matter will be going to trial and we'll proceed to trial now.
NH: For seven days, the prosecution laid out its case against Garland. Often, the details brought the family to tears. The hearing is protected by a publication ban.
Nathan and his grandparents were last seen June 29th, 2014. Nathan had stayed at the Liknes home for a sleepover. The next day, his mother went to pick him up, but no one was home. At the time, police said evidence at the house suggested the disappearance might be suspicious. Days later, police issued a photo of a truck seen in the area of the Liknes home when they disappeared. Garland was known to drive a truck matching that description. For weeks, investigators scoured an acreage east of Airdrie where Garland lived with his parents.
Alvin Liknes and Garland were known to have business dealings in the past that ended badly.
A trial date is expected to be set July 31st. It is anticipated a trial will be at least 12 to 18 months after that. In the meantime, family is trying to cope as best as they can.
BB: Well, my cousins just wanted you guys to know that they've had wonderful support from family, and the public, and friends. And, and that doesn't bring anyone back, but it makes it a little more tolerable and bearable, I guess.
NH: Garland will appear in Queen's Bench Court at the end of July to be arraigned on three counts of first degree murder. At that time, a trial date will likely be set for late 2016 or early 2017.