A man charged with the first-degree murder of a 20-year-old Lower Mainland woman is also facing two counts of aggravated assault.
Alan Charles Chapman, 47, of Nanaimo, appeared in Victoria provincial court Wednesday. He is charged with the first-degree murder of Emily Caruana and the aggravated assault of her uncle John Caruana and her boyfriend, Justin Booth.
The charges arise out of a violent confrontation early Saturday at a home in Brentwood Bay.
Chapman, a large man with short brown hair, folded his arms and looked out at the crowded public gallery during the brief court appearance. Several sheriffs were present, as well as a detective with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.
John Labossiere, regional Crown counsel for Vancouver Island, asked that Chapman remain in custody and appear in court again on May 29.
Judge Roger Cutler agreed, but was concerned that Chapman was not represented by a lawyer at the appearance.
“Mr. Chapman, we’re going to have you back here May 29 at 10 p.m. by video. In the meantime, I don’t know if you intend to get counsel, but if so, you should try to do so, so there’s someone here to represent you at that time,” said Cutler.
Chapman nodded and raised his eyebrows.
