Dates for a preliminary inquiry for Steven bacon are expected to be set on Feb 12, 2021 in connection to the death of Nanaimo teen Makayla Chang. Bacon pleaded not guilty to a first degree murder charge in October. (Submitted/RCMP)

By Ian Holmes

Case advancing

Preparations in motion for trial of murdered Nanaimo teen Makayla Chang

Dec 1, 2020 | 11:25 AM

NANAIMO — A timeline for a murder trial against the man accused of killing a Nanaimo teenager is expected to become more clear in the new year.

Dates for a preliminary inquiry are expected to be established on Feb. 12, 2021 in the case of accused murderer Steven Bacon, who pleaded not guilty in October to the first degree murder of Makayla Chang.

A judge will decide following the preliminary inquiry if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial in B.C. Supreme Court.

Bacon will be instructed to appear by video on the day from jail where he’s currently being held, court was told during a procedural appearance on Tuesday, Dec. 1 in Nanaimo.

He did not attend his latest scheduled court appearance due to technical issues with the video feed.

no snow

Chances of a white Christmas for Nanaimo 'quite remote'

3h ago

vehicle damage

Over 40 vehicles damaged during late-night Nanaimo vandalism spree

9h ago

rising costs

RDN taxpayers want relief as board grapples with budget

13h ago

The Crown’s Nick Barber stressed the importance of Bacon appearing via video from Ontario on Feb. 12, citing the need for Bacon to be updated first-hand on the case.

“We’ll be bringing Mr. Bacon eventually to B.C. to deal with the file,” Barber said, who expressed disappointment Bacon was transferred between correctional facilities in Ontario, contrary to a Supreme Court order.

Judge Ronald Lamperson suggested Bacon’s lawyer and Barber meet in advance of the Feb. 12 appearance to narrow down issues to be dealt with in the preliminary inquiry.

Bacon is in custody in the Toronto area for a variety of sex offences applied earlier this year.

In September, Bacon was charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of 16-year-old Makayla Chang.

Chang’s body was discovered at an undisclosed location in May, 2017, roughly two months after she vanished.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes