Charges have been reduced and a trial date has been set in an on-going case, which stems from a physical altercation at Sam’s Hotel in Wallaceburg back in May 2014.
Walpole Island resident Taylor Ermatinger, 22, is now facing aggravated assault charges, as opposed to attempted murder.
Chatham-Kent Court staff told the Sydenham Current when Ermatinger’s case was shifted to the Superior Court back on October 9, 2015, it was on the lesser charge of aggravated assault.
The reason for the change is not known at this time.
In the Criminal Code of Canada, aggravated assault is defined as “every one commits an aggravated assault who wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.” The maximum penalty if found guilty of aggravated assault is 14 years in jail.
Attempted murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
During assignment court on Monday, a five-day trial was set aside to begin during the week of October 17.
However, reports say the case may be resolved beforehand.
Defence lawyer Gudrun Mueller-Wilm reportedly told the court she is waiting to hear from a crown attorney about a possible resolution.
Mueller-Wilm was unable to be reached for comment.
The Chatham-Kent police arrested Ermatinger back in May 2014 and charged him with attempted murder in connection with a disturbance in Wallaceburg.
Police officials say on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, just before 12:30 a.m., police responded to an altercation between two men known to each other at Sam’s Hotel on Dufferin Avenue.
A 19-year-old man was transported to the Sydenham District Hospital with life threatening head injuries.
A publication ban remains in place on the evidence discussed in court.
