More than two years after a shooting in Wallaceburg, the suspect accused of attempted murder is expected to enter a plea at Chatham Superior Court next week.
The trial of Michael Authier, 34, was to start on Tuesday and last five days but the trial coordinator at the Chatham courthouse said a plea has been set for Monday morning via Zoom with a sentencing date to be scheduled for sometime in September. The sentencing date has not been determined yet.
Authier was charged with attempted murder two years ago after an 18-year-old woman was shot on February 26, 2019 at King Street and Albert Street in Wallaceburg. The woman who was shot survived, but suffered what were described as non-life threatening injuries.
Authier was released from jail on $100,000 bail a year ago with strict bail conditions imposed by Justice D. Isaac, which include being with his sureties at all times, living with his parents, and getting treatment for his drug issues. He is also to have no contact with the victim and several other people, he is not allowed to possess any weapons, and is not allowed to carry or consume any drugs.
If he's convicted of attempted murder, Authier could spend a maximum of life in prison or a minimum of four years.
The case is under a publication ban and further details can’t be made public until after it's resolved.