GORE BAY—The preliminary hearing of Kimel Corbiere, aged 27 of Mindemoya, wrapped up after two weeks and will continue the week of December 14. Mr. Corbiere is charged with the first degree murder in the death of elder Johnny Panamick of M’Chigeeng.
On Sunday, May 11, 2014, Mr. Panamick was found severely injured in his home by his neighbour. The neighbour called an ambulance which brought the elder to the Manitoulin Health Centre from where he was transferred to Health Sciences North in Sudbury. On June 13, 2014, Mr. Panamick succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
On July 17, 2014, the United Chiefs and Council of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police and the OPP North East Region Crime Unit, under the direction of Detective Inspector Tracy Dobbin of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), arrested Mr. Corbiere and charged him with the murder of Mr. Panamick.
The purpose of the preliminary hearing is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to go to trial, which will be determined by the presiding Justice. It is also used to determine the strength of the Crown’s case.
The preliminary hearing will resume on Monday, December 14 at the Gore Bay courthouse.-
