In his first court appearance – a video link from jail in Victoria – an 84-year-old man charged with murder had trouble hearing the judge.
“Are you able to hear me?” asked Judge Roderick Sutton who was in Campbell River provincial court.
“What was that?” replied Konstanty (Karol) Bukiewicz, “not too well.”
So the volume was set at maximum and the judge spoke louder so Bukiewicz could follow what was going on, which wasn’t much.
He’s charged with second degree murder in the death of Caroline Doreen Surrett, 72. The court charge indicates it’s a domestic incident.
Surrett was found deceased in a two-storey home located at 874 S. Alder St. She was found by Campbell River RCMP who received a 911 call from the home on the morning of Feb. 25.
Bukiewicz, described by a neighbour as a “super-nice guy,” was arrested at the scene without incident and charged with second degree murder.
He’s been in custody since his arrest and is presently at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Victoria.
Bukiewicz is still awaiting a bail hearing. His lawyer, Sarah Runyon, told the judge she’s waiting to receive all the disclosure from the Crown. As well, she’s been in contact with his son to organize a bail plan if Bukiewicz is released.
Bukiewicz next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, by video.