Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
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By Nigel Maxwell
A murder case involving a former Saskatchewan RCMP officer has been formally committed for trial.
Upon completion of a preliminary hearing at Prince Albert Provincial Court on Tuesday, the judge found there was enough evidence for Bernie Herman to stand trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Braden Herman in May of 2021.
As per standard practice during all preliminary hearings, the details of the case and the evidence heard cannot be discussed due to a publication ban. Braden’s sister Daphanie Herman was among a number of family members in court this week and outside the courthouse expressed to paNOW feelings of sadness and anger.
“I didn’t expect to hear all the information that was released,” she said, acknowledging some of the details came as a surprise.
The case now moves to Court of Queen’s Bench, and trial dates will first need to be set during a pre-trial conference. There’s been no date set for it.
Brett Herman, Braden’s brother, was asked how he felt knowing the case is moving forward.
“Well, it’s still going to be a while away. It’s just taking forever,” he said.
Braden Herman was 26 years old when his body was found in a wooded area south of Little Red River Park. Police have previously confirmed that while the victim and the accused share the same last name and are both from the La Loche area, they are not related.
Family members have described the relationship as, at one time, a comparison between a father and son, but also mentioned the two men had a falling out.
Police have also confirmed that while Bernie Herman was not on duty at the time of the incident, he left work in full uniform with his duty belt on the day it occurred.
A plea of not guilty was entered last June, and two weeks later Bernie Herman was granted bail.
Members of Bernie Herman’s family were also in court this week but declined to speak to paNOW. Bernie Herman was observed leaving the courthouse and moved quickly to a truck that was waiting outside.
