A pre-trial date has been set in the case of a Cole Harbour woman charged in connection with a fatal car accident last summer.
Beverlee Russell, 54, was not present at Wednesday’s scheduled appearance. Her lawyer, Pat Atherton, spoke on her behalf and agreed to a date of Feb. 19 for a pre-trial hearing, which will narrow down the issues and the list of witnesses in the case before a formal trial date is set.
Russell is facing multiple charges, including manslaughter, in connection with two separate accidents on Aug. 3 in Cole Harbour.
She allegedly drove away from the scene of the first collision before causing a second, multi-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 57-year-old retired teacher Gary Pfinder and seriously injured two others.
Police allege alcohol was a factor in both accidents.
Russell was arrested and charged on Aug. 10.
The next day, a judge ordered her to undergo a psychiatric assessment to determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial. It was determined she was, and she has since been released on recognizance with conditions.
