TRURO, N.S. – Kevin Sylliboy, the accused in an April 1 murder of a Millbrook resident, fired his Legal Aid lawyer just prior to a Tuesday morning hearing in provincial court.
“Mr. Sylliboy has discharged me as his attorney of record,” defense counsel Stephanie Hillson said, after returning to the courtroom following a meeting with Sylliboy in his holding cell.
The 25-year-old Sylliboy, of Millbrook, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jamie Blair, 46.
Cause of death has not been made public. RCMP members were called to Blair’s residence about 3:30 a.m. Easter Sunday morning where they found him unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.
After discharging his lawyer, Sylliboy asked visiting Judge Del Atwood if he would be permitted contact with his mother. She is one of 11 people the accused is banned by court from having contact with, due to their potential witness status in the case.
“I have a son, I’d like to know what’s going on with my child and my family,” Sylliboy told Atwood.
Crown attorney Laura Barrett said she would not object to the request, provided Sylliboy and his mother would agree not to discuss the case.
She rescinded that offer, however, after Atwood expressed concern over how conversations between the two would be monitored.
“So, Mr. Sylliboy, at this particular time the Crown wishes that your mother’s name be included on the list that you cannot contact.”
Atwood maintained that position, despite a statement by Sylliboy that all telephone calls at the Northeast Nova Correctional Facility in Pictou County are closely monitored. He suggested instead that Sylliboy take up the matter with his new lawyer when one has been secured.
The judge’s decision appeared to not sit well with one woman in the court, who forcibly pushed open a door as she left the room.
Sylliboy is remanded into custody and is to return to court May 15 for an update on his legal counsel status.
A co-accused in the case, Grace Marie Scott of Truro has been released on a $5,000 surety.
Scott, 35, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder by allegedly assisting Sylliboy in trying to escape prior to his arrest.
The name of Scott’s surety as well as her location while on bail has been banned from publication for what has been termed safety reasons.
She is to return to court May 3 to enter a plea.
