A Hanson Island man accused of killing his wife finally has a lawyer.
Traigo Andretti, 37, is charged with first degree murder and committing an indignity to a human body.
His wife, Jennifer McPherson, 41, was last seen April 29 on Hanson Island where the two worked as caretakers at Pacific Outback Resort. Her remains were found on the island – located about eight kilometres northeast of Telegraph Cove – on May 6.
Andretti was arrested shortly after her remains were found and has been in custody since then.
He’s also been investigated in Manitoba in connection with the death of a former girlfriend, Myrna Letandre, whose remains were found May 9 in a Winnipeg rooming house where they apparently lived together. She was last seen in October 2006.
During his brief appearances in Campbell River provincial court, Andretti has been surprisingly upbeat. However, earlier this month he was chastised by Judge Brian Saunderson for not getting legal counsel.
“You’re accused of murder! You understand that?” the judge asked.
On Monday, Andretti appeared by video for another court appearance.
He’s currently being held in custody in Victoria and is now represented by defence lawyer Roxanne Helme.
A representative of her office asked the judge for another four weeks before Andretti’s next court appearance so they can review the police evidence.
Crown prosecutor Bruce Goddard said he expects full disclosure from the RCMP by the end of June.
Andretti’s next court appearance, by video, is scheduled for July 22.