A Webbwood man will stand trial for first-degree murder.
Superior Court Justice, Alex Kurke, has rejected a defence bid that 31-year-old Joseph Michael Pollard of Webbwood be committed to trial on the lesser charge of second degree murder.
As a result, charges of first-degree murder, arson causing damage to a residence and causing an indignity to human remains, which were committed in court at the May preliminary hearing, will remain in place.
Pollard’s next court date is September 7th, when a pre-trial meeting will be held, since he is elected for a judge and jury trial.
Police and firefighters responded to a fire at an Agnew Lake residence about 8:30am on April 3rd, 2017.
Once the fire was extinguished, the body of 32-year-old Alicia Armstrong was found in the home.