Accused in murder awaiting word on legal representation

Jason Robert MacKenzie left Supreme Court in Pictou Thursday the same way he came in: without a lawyer, pleas entered or trial dates set.

MacKenzie is charged with the second-degree murder of 33-yearold Nicole Campbell who was found in a New Glasgow apartment Dec. 30, 2015. MacKenzie also faces charges that he allegedly stole prescription medication while armed with a knife, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 17, 2015. He is also charged with carrying a weapon with the purpose to commit a crime from the same offence date.

The 37-year-old New Glasgow man, on remand since arrest in December 2015 in connection with the death of Campbell, was expected to be arraigned on charges of second degree murder, robbery and possession of a weapon during his court appearance Thursday.

However, he told Justice Denise Boudreau that Legal Aid was in the process of determining if it would grant him a certificate. If it is granted, he had spoken with a lawyer willing to take his case, but he didn’t have the dates as to when she would be available for trial.

A legal aid certificate is like a voucher for legal services for people who are legally and financial eligible. It allows an accused to purchase legal services outside of the pool of lawyers who work for Legal Aid of Nova Scotia.

MacKenzie was represented by Legal Aid in the past, but just before a preliminary inquiry was set to start in June, he fired his lawyer and requested time to find a new one. Meanwhile, the Crown has chosen to proceed by direct indictment in the case meaning trial dates will be set.

MacKenzie will return to Supreme Court in Pictou on July 6 for arraignment.