TRURO
High tension and tight security filled a packed courtroom for a Noel man whose manslaughter charges were upgraded to second-degree murder this morning.
Dustan Joseph Preeper, 22, was charged Friday following the death of Ben Hare, 26, an east-end resident who died following a fight at a multiple-unit apartment building at 67 Lyman St. at 2:12 a.m., Thursday. Hare was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police described the incident as “a large fight involving a number of parties.”
That tension remained in evidence between family and friends from both sides prior to Preeper’s brief appearance in provincial court this morning.
Visitors were required to undergo electronic screening prior to entering and extra deputy sheriffs were brought in to help maintain control. Eight police officers were also on hand.
Preeper appeared in court sporting various marks and bruises on his face, heavily tattooed arms and wearing a green T-shirt and blue pants.
“Asshole,” someone from the victim’s side of the courtroom commented as he was led back to cells by Sheriff’s deputies following his hearing.
“That’s why everybody’s here, mouth’s like that,” returned someone else from the benches containing supporters of the accused.
“Watch out or you’re next,” someone else retorted.
Preeper is scheduled to return to court July 21 for a bail hearing.
For full story, see Wednesday’s Truro Daily News
