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The man facing manslaughter charges in the fatal altercation along Harvey Avenue in Kelowna will make his first court appearance on Thursday.
Former MMA fighter Cory Richard Eric Van Gilder, 25, will consult with his defence council in Kelowna provincial court Thursday afternoon. Van Gilder is facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of 30-year-old Ontario resident Zachary Gaudette.
Gaudette was found injured outside the Banks Road Cactus Club Cafe on Feb. 17, 2016. He was treated by paramedics and transferred to Kelowna General Hospital. He succumbed to his injuries two days later.
RCMP have not released what injuries Gaudette sustained, only commenting that he was found in medical distress. On Facebook, Gaudette’s cousin has stated that it was ‘a one punch hit’ that killed her family member. This has not been confirmed by police or the BC Coroners Service.
Two months after the altercation police confirmed they had a suspect identified but needed to wait for autopsy results to consider charges. That charge has now been laid according to court documents.
A publication ban has been imposed on pretrial hearings, including a bail hearing, until the accused is discharged or ordered to stand trial.
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