Steven Michael Bacon is facing charges of first degree murder in the death of Nanaimo teenager Makayla Chang. (Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MAKAYLA CHANG

Steven Michael Bacon set for transfer to Nanaimo ahead of Chang inquiry

Oct 19, 2021 | 10:15 AM

NANAIMO — Arrangements are in place to transfer the man accused of murdering a Nanaimo teen to the Harbour City for a preliminary inquiry.

Steven Michael Bacon is charged with first degree murder in relation to the disappearance of 16-year-old Makayla Chang in March 2017.

During a procedural hearing in Nanaimo on Tuesday, Oct. 19, a Supreme Court order was issued to force Bacon to appear for the inquiry in person.

Bacon will be escorted to Nanaimo in the coming days and attend B.C. Supreme Court, beginning Monday, Nov. 1.

Bacon’s lawyer, along with several witnesses will appear via video in part due to public health restrictions related to COVID-19.

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The preliminary inquiry is scheduled to last five days, a process which involves a judge deciding if there is enough evidence against an accused to advance to trial.

In early January 2020, Bacon was arrested in Ontario for a charge in Fredriction, NB unrelated to Chang’s death. He has been in custody in Ontario ever since.

Bacon was never officially listed as a suspect in the case, though police did specify Chang may have been with him and was a person of interest.

He was formally charged in Sept. 2020, more than three years after Chang was initially reported missing.

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