By Charles Lefebvre

Arraignment adjourned until July for man charged with murder

Jun 17, 2019 | 10:39 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A man charged with first-degree murder and extortion made a brief court appearance on Friday.

Robert Hoefman made his first appearance in the Medicine Hat Court of Queen’s Bench Friday morning for a scheduled arraignment.

However, both the Crown and defence asked for the arraignment to be put over another month, which was granted. Hoefman’s case will return to the Court of Queen’s Bench on July 12.

During the arraignment hearing in July, it is expected Hoefman will enter a plea and a date for a judge and jury trial will be set.

Hoefman, 57, was charged with first degree murder in January 2018 in connection with the death of James Satre, 63.

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Satre’s body was found near Mill Street Southeast and Smelter Avenue Southeast on October 11, 2017.

Hoefman was charged with one count of extortion in November of 2017, which police allege is linked to Satre’s murder.

Hoefman has remained in custody since his arrest. A preliminary hearing in May determined there is enough evidence for him to stand trial. Details from the preliminary hearing are under a publication ban.