GORE BAY—On Monday, December 15, Kimel Corbiere, aged 26 of Mindemoya, accused in the murder last May of Johnny Panamick, aged 70 of M’Chigeeng, appeared briefly in court and stood in the prisoner box in handcuffs, regulation orange prison jumpsuit and white sneakers.
James Weppler, defense lawyer for Mr. Corbiere, indicated that he continues to await full disclosure from the Crown. Crown Attorney Stacy Haner said that the evidence has been reviewed and will be disclosed this week to Mr. Weppler.
The defense lawyer then spoke to the presiding judge, Justice Louise Serré, saying that he wanted to make sure that his client will stay in the detention centre in Sudbury and will seek a judge’s order to ensure Mr. Corbiere is not moved to another prison. Asked by The Expositor to clarify this request, Mr. Weppler says there are issues at the Sudbury jail that are causing renovations to take place and some prisoners are being moved to other prisons, such as Penetanguishene and further afield, with some inconvenience to lawyers and clients in ongoing legal processes. Mr. Corbiere is currently in jail in North Bay and travelled from there for his latest appearance in Gore Bay. Mr. Weppler also noted that he will need time to meet with his client to review the Crown’s evidence.
Judge Serré remanded the case until Monday, January 12, 2015, at which time Mr. Corbiere “will be spoken to,” and, as Mr. Weppler later told The Expositor, “disclosure of evidence will be confirmed.”
Johnny Panamick was found in his home on Back Street in M’Chigeeng on Sunday, May 11, 2014 by a neighbour, having suffered extensive bodily injuries. Mr. Panamick was taken to hospital, then transferred to Health Sciences North in Sudbury, where he died on June 13.
Kimel Corbiere was arrested on July 17, 2014 and charged with the first degree murder of Mr. Panamick. He appeared in court for the first time on July 18 and has been in custody since his arrest.
Police continue to seek the public’s assistance with this crime and ask anyone with information to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or UCCM Anishnaabe Police at 1-888-377-7135. To remain anonymous, the public may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
by Isobel Harry
