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Man charged with first-degree murder makes brief court appearance

Jan 24, 2018 | 12:46 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The man charged with first-degree murder in connection with the city’s only homicide in 2017 made a brief court appearance on Wednesday.

Robert Hoefman, 55, appeared in Medicine Hat provincial court Wednesday morning, where his case was adjourned to February 15.

Hoefman was charged with first-degree murder on January 11 in connection with the October murder of James Satre.

Satre, 64, was found deceased at the intersection of Mill Street and Smelter Avenue. Two days later, police confirmed his death was a homicide.

Hoefman was originally arrested and charged with once count of extortion in November.The extortion investigation began October 10, the day before Satre was found dead, after police received information about an attempt to extort a Medicine Hat resident.

Investigators say the extortion included severe threats and violence along with general threats toward the community.

Police say the extortion and homicide investigation are linked. Details on the extortion, including the identity of who it was targeting, are under a publication ban.

Hoefman remains in custody.