Bail hearing for Chris Fahlman, man charged in Weyburn shooting, set for Thursday

The man charged in the shooting death of Tanya Myers will remain in custody ahead of a bail hearing on Thursday.

Chris Fahlman, 42, made his second appearance in Regina Provincial Court on Tuesday. Fahlman is facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the shooting death of Myers on Sept. 12.

Read more:

• Regina man, 42, charged with manslaughter in Weyburn highway shooting
• Mounties warn of misinformation as investigation into highway shooting continues
• Woman recalls night of Saskatchewan highway shooting that left woman dead

According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, Myers was a passenger in a Ford Explorer SUV that was travelling on Highway 39, about three kilometres northwest of Weyburn, when she was struck by a bullet from behind. The 44-year-old woman was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. Another vehicle travelling in that area was also struck by bullets at around the same time, the RCMP said, leaving a tire deflated.

Fahlman is charged with manslaughter with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence and occupying a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm inside.

He appeared in court over a video link on Tuesday, sitting with his shoulders slightly hunched forward and showing no visible emotion.

Fahlman told the court he plans to hire Sharon Fox as his lawyer. His next appearance, a bail hearing, was set for Thursday, and he will remain in custody until then.

“There are a few pieces that need to come into place,” Fox told 980 CJME outside the courtroom.

“He needs to formally retain counsel, which is in the process, then counsel needs to get a copy of the police file, the investigative record, also known as disclosure, that needs to be reviewed… Then, if he conducts a bail hearing, or if he chooses to proceed further, then that will need to be prepared in advance of Thursday afternoon.”

Fox said the case has generated a significant amount of online discussion, but she noted that every person charged with a crime in Canada is considered innocent until proven guilty.

“There is a lot of information that’s speculation, which does not assist either the public in a jury trial, or a judge, in coming to a fair and just determination in the matter,” Fox added.

“I would encourage the public to remain open-minded, to reserve judgment – speculation and conjecture do not help society in terms of coming to a just and fair resolution, whatever way this case plays out.”

Fahlman’s membership in realtors association terminated

According to the head of the Saskatchewan Realtors Association, Fahlman works as a home inspector, but his membership with the association has been ended.

“We are aware of recent criminal charges involving Chris Fahlman, a Saskatchewan home inspector,” Chris Guérette, the association’s CEO, explained in a statement.

“We want to clarify that Mr. Fahlman’s membership with the Association has been terminated. He no longer has access to the lockbox system or any other business partner resources.”

Guérette said the association’s top priority is to protect the integrity of the industry and maintain the trust of the public.