Preliminary inquiry underway for man accused in March slaying in Lillooet

Photo: Castanet Staff

A preliminary inquiry is underway in a Kamloops courtroom for a man charged with murder following an alleged slaying in Lillooet earlier this year.

Justin Ehlert’s preliminary inquiry on one count of second-degree murder is taking place this week in Kamloops provincial court.

The 35-year-old is accused of killing Leeland Alexander, 25, in March.

Evidence heard at Ehlert’s preliminary inquiry is protected by a court-ordered ban on publication, but police have previously said they were called to a stretch of Main Street in downtown Lillooet for a report of a man down on March 15.

According to a news release from the time, Mounties arrived to find a man suffering serious injuries. Alexander was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Homicide detectives travelled to Lillooet and spend several days in the community interviewing witnesses, police said at the time.

Ehlert was charged on March 19, according to court documents.

Preliminary inquiries are hearings in provincial court after which a judge rules whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial in a superior court.