While Robert Steven Wright’s lawyers are still waiting for details on how it will take place, a bail review hearing is set to take place May 4 and May 5.
Wright is being represented by Berk Keaney and Michael Venturi. Venturi confirmed the hearing.
The Sudbury Court House was closed in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It has been handling such items as bail reviews via teleconferencing or videoconferencing to limit contact between all parties.
Wright is also scheduled for a two-day change-of-venue hearing May 11-12. His lawyers said they believe a change in venue is necessary to ensure their client has a fair trial with an impartial jury.
Wright was arrested in December 2018 and charged with first-degree murder in the brutal killing of 23-year-old Renée Sweeney.
Sweeney was brutally attacked at her workplace; an adult video store on Paris Street, where she sustained multiple stab wounds and succumbed to her injuries.
Wright was 18 years old at the time of the murder and was a resident of Sudbury and a student at Lockerby Composite School.
Wright was arrested at North Bay Regional Health Centre. He worked as a laboratory technician.
Wright was denied bail and has been in custody since his arrest.
A publication ban prevents the publication of any evidence given at the bail hearing.
In August 2019, the Crown attorney’s office succeeded with its application to the Attorney General of Ontario for a direct indictment, meaning Wright will proceed directly to trial with no preliminary hearing.
The Crown also downgraded the charge of first-degree murder to second-degree murder, which means the killing was not planned.
The Crown then failed in its attempt in December 2019 to have Keaney and Venturi removed as counsel for Wright.
