A teen accused in a Strathcona County double homicide pleaded not guilty yesterday to murder charges against him.
The 14-year-old, who cannot be named, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Barry Boenke, 68, and Susan Trudel, 50.
The boy was also handed 22 additional break-and-enter charges. The suspect and another 14-year-old were found driving Boenke’s stolen pickup truck on May 31. When officers arrived at Boenke’s rural home, they discovered the murdered victims.
The youth’s preliminary inquiry will begin on Feb. 1, 2010. He will be tried by a judge and jury.
The two boys were wards of the province who disappeared from a rural group home hours before the truck was stolen. The second boy faces accessory charges and will return to court on Sept. 30.
