Man accused of killing retired couple out on bail at time of slaying
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/03/2021 (1370 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The 27-year-old man arrested for the slaying of a retired Lorette couple on Thursday was released on bail last fall with a warning he would be at risk of harming someone if he didn’t take his medication and obey his bail conditions.
Court documents identify Karlton Dean Reimer as the man charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Dennis Lidgett, 77, and his wife Bernadette, 73.
Reimer was released on bail Sept. 18, four days after his arrest in Blumenort on charges of mischief to property and possession of property obtained by crime. He was released with the consent of the Crown on conditions that included he have no contact with his parents — two of four victims identified in court documents — without their prior consent.
Reimer, who court heard has mental health and addiction issues, was also ordered to abstain from all non-prescribed drugs and alcohol and complete an addictions assessment.
Details of the alleged September offences were not disclosed in court.
“The matters on the docket don’t look all that serious, but I can tell you there is significant background that I have discussed with RCMP in regards to Mr. Reimer, his mental health issues, as well as his co-occurring substance abuse issues and they all need to be addressed in order to reduce his risk in the community, but also to provide some protection for his parents,” Crown attorney Kristee Logan told provincial court Judge Brent Stewart.
Reimer’s bail conditions did not include a weapon prohibition.
“Essentially, we want to make sure Mr. Reimer is taking his medication,” Logan said.
“I just want to make it clear to Mr. Reimer that these conditions are very serious, and if he is not complying, then he is going to find himself in the (Winnipeg) Remand Centre or at risk of harming himself or someone else,” she said.
“It’s tough for the neighbours, it’s tough for the area, it’s tough for the family, it’s tough for their friends. This is an extremely sad moment, and that’s the biggest thing right now.” – Taché Mayor Justin Bohemier
Police received a 911 call from the Lidgetts’ River Road home shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday and arrived to find the couple dead. Police arrested Reimer in the area a short time later.
RCMP have provided no details about how the couple was killed, nor did they comment on the motive.
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Neighbours said the Lidgetts moved to the area about 30 years ago and were active in the community.
Residents of River Road, next to the Seine River southeast of Lorette, said they were shocked by the killings. “I’d never picture that happening,” said Daniel Sarrazin, who lives across the road from the couple.
The couple liked to garden and would often be seen out for an evening stroll, neighbours said.
The tragedy has been a “an eye opener” for the close-knit community, Sarrazin said.
After hearing about the tragedy Thursday, Taché Mayor Justin Bohemier said he was “floored.”
“It’s tough for the neighbours, it’s tough for the area, it’s tough for the family, it’s tough for their friends,” he said. “This is an extremely sad moment, and that’s the biggest thing right now.”
Reimer, who remains in custody, is set to appear in court Monday on the murder charges.
dean.pritchhard@freepress.mb.ca
Dean Pritchard
Courts reporter
Someone once said a journalist is just a reporter in a good suit. Dean Pritchard doesn’t own a good suit. But he knows a good lawsuit.
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History
Updated on Friday, March 26, 2021 9:22 PM CDT: Corrects spelling of Crown attorney's first name.
