By paNOW

Inmate charged with murder appears in P.A. court

Jun 14, 2017 | 6:00 PM

A maximum-security inmate facing a charge of second-degree murder made his first court appearance today.

Tyler Vandewater, 28, appeared over video link from the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Sporting thin-framed glasses and a shaved head, Vandewater was frog-marched into the video courtroom by two correctional officers who remained standing on either side of him. His hands were cuffed behind his back throughout his appearance, an unusual procedure even for an accused killer.

Vandewater is facing a murder charge in connection with the June 7 death of convicted robber Christopher Andrew Van Camp, inside the penitentiary’s maximum-security unit. RCMP labelled Van Camp’s death “suspicious” the next day, and on June 9 announced Vandewater had been charged with murder.

Although Van Camp died on the same day as another penitentiary inmate, convicted murderer Daniel James Tokarchuk, corrections officials have stated the two deaths are not connected.

He did not speak during his appearance, but remained silent as his Legal Aid lawyer adjourned the matter until mid-August, over objections by the Crown. Vandewater is also facing two unrelated charges of aggravated assault dating back to Sept. 12 and Nov. 13 of 2016, which will also be addressed at his next court date.

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When Provincial Court Judge D. Albert Lavoie learned of the numerous allegations of serious violence against Vandewater, he confirmed with the Crown that Vandewater is being held in administrative segregation, separate from the general inmate population.

Vandewater was not the only inmate facing charges this afternoon. His alleged victim, Van Camp, was also on the docket for alleged possession of a controlled substance, co-accused with inmate Michael David Bush. The charge against Van Camp was naturally stayed, due to his untimely death.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews