Two men accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of four Alberta RCMP officers broke down in tears Friday when a judge ruled there is enough evidence to send them to trial.
Family and friends had to console Shawn Hennessey, 28, and his brother-in-law Dennis Cheeseman, 24, after provincial court Judge Peter Ayotte gave his ruling after a month-long preliminary hearing.
The two are accused of somehow helping James Roszko, who gunned down the four Mounties on his property near Mayerthorpe, Alta., in March of 2005 before killing himself.
Police have not said what it is that Mr. Hennessey and Mr. Cheeseman, both from nearby Barrhead, allegedly did.
Judge Ayotte imposed a strict publication ban on details of the preliminary hearing.
Constables Leo Johnston, 32; Peter Schiemann, 25; Brock Myrol, 29; and Anthony Gordon, 28, were shot while guarding a Quonset hut full of stolen property and housing a marijuana grow operation on Mr. Roszko's property.
As she left the courthouse in Stony Plain, Alta., on Friday, Mr. Hennessey's aunt said the family is disappointed, but at least now the true story can come out at trial.
"The boys will soon be able to tell their side and prove their innocence," said Criss Hennessey.
Mr. Cheeseman was arrested July 7 in Sherwood Park, Alta., while Mr. Hennessey was taken in the next day in a dramatic takedown at a Barrhead home in front of his wife.
Both of the men spent almost a year in custody, but were eventually let out on bail.
Mr. Hennessey was released April 14 under strict conditions and after posting $25,000. Family and friends had to put up a $500,000 surety to guarantee his attendance at trial.
Mr. Cheeseman was granted bail just before the preliminary hearing began May 12 and after agreeing to pay $10,000 in cash. Family members put up a $245,000 surety. He was also ordered to abide by a curfew, get a job, stay in Alberta and have no contact with Mr. Hennessey.
Family members have said the charges have been tough for everyone involved, but especially so for Mr. Hennessey's wife and two children.
The accused are next to appear in Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton on July 25 to be arraigned and could enter pleas at that time.
The Crown said it is not clear when the trial will actually begin.