Paris Laroche has been ordered to stand trial in connection to the death of her ex-boyfriend in Nanaimo and how his remains were allegedly handled. (Submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

serious allegations

Accused murderer ordered to stand trial for death of ex-boyfriend in Nanaimo

Jan 25, 2023 | 11:11 AM

NANAIMO — A BC Supreme Court trial is expected in the case of a local woman accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend.

A provincial court judge ordered Paris Jayanne Laroche, 27, to stand trial following a two-day preliminary inquiry this week in Nanaimo.

She’s charged with first degree murder and indecent handling of the remains of Sidney Joseph Mantee, 32 years old.

Laroche elected for her case to be tried by a judge and jury.

She has not entered pleas to the charges and isn’t obligated to do so until she’s before a jury, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) confirmed.

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Publication bans prevent details of this week’s proceedings, as well as the contents of a bail hearing last summer in which Laroche was denied an interim release.

Laroche was arrested on March 9, 2022 without incident and charges were approved the same day by the BCPS.

It’s alleged Mantee was murdered about two years prior to Laroche’s arrest.

Detailed searches occurred at several locations in Nanaimo for Sidney Mantee in 2021 when police believed he had met foul play. (Submitted photo)

Mantee was the source of a historical missing persons investigation in which Nanaimo RCMP suspected foul play was involved.

In May 2021, Nanaimo RCMP revealed investigators conducted multiple searches around the city to advance their investigation.

Searches also included the Rosehill St. apartment where Laroche and Mantee lived together.

Laroche appeared in person duing the preliminary inquiry, marking her first return to Nanaimo since being transferred out of the city after her arrest last March.

She’s scheduled to return to court on Feb. 13, however it’s unclear when her trial will proceed.

The accused is represented by high profile Vancouver based defence attorney Glen Orris.

Laroche has no prior criminal record.

She remains in custody at Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge.

None of the allegations against Laroche have been proven in court.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes