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By Regan Tate

Robert Hoefman Murder Trial

Credibility of man who found murder victim called into question by the Defence

Mar 4, 2021 | 5:03 PM

Medicine Hat, AB– The visually impaired neighbour of murder victim James Satre says he feared police considered him a suspect in the death.

Joseph Dolan lived two doors down from Satre on Mill Street. Dolan broke down in tears several times as he recalled discovering Satre’s body near his home the morning of October 11, 2017.

When asked by the Crown whether he had anything to do with his friend’s death, Dolan testified, “absolutely not, 100 percent no”.

During cross examination by the defence lawyer Ian Mckay, Dolan was questioned about his temper and whether he could get violent when angry. McKay focused on a domestic dispute Dolan and his wife had back in 2011. Dolan told the court, “I was very angry at Darla,” adding that he stood in the living room with a knife to protect himself.

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Dolan’s criminal record was outlined for the jury. It includes theft, forgery, and assault. Dolan received a jail sentence to be served in the community after pleading guilty to fraud over 5-thousand dollars.

Court heard how Dolan defrauded the Alberta government over an 8 year period in order to collect income support payments. Dolan had started collecting those payments after losing his sight. Dolan claimed to have no income and failed to report that he was married. As a result, Dolan received an overpayment from the government of approximately 70-thousand dollars.

McKay also presented the jury with a video taped interview between police and Dolan. The interview was recorded about 90-minutes after Satre’s body was discovered. McKay noted inconsistencies between that statement and testimony given during the trial Thursday morning.

McKay suggested that when it comes to the extent of Dolan’s vision loss, he can’t “get his story straight.” Dolan testified he lost his eyesight in 2000 and only sees dark. He does not use a cane or guide dog to get around. McKay noted that Dolan stated Satre’s eyes were partly closed when he found him. Dolan was also able to describe various things in his neighbourhood by color and size.

McKay also questioned why Dolan told various people Satre had been stabbed when no cause of death had been released.

The defence will continue it’s cross examination of Dolan Friday morning.

Hoefman is charged with first degree murder and extortion related to events that took place between October 10 and November 8, 2017. The trial is scheduled to last 7 weeks.