The man accused of killing a longtime White Rock resident earlier this month made an emotional appearance in Surrey Provincial Court Friday.
Jeffrey Caillé, 22, appeared in court to appoint a new defence lawyer.
The slight man, with shoulder-length brown hair, wore an orange prison-issued shirt and pants as he addressed the court through a French interpreter. During proceedings, Caillé’s mother, who was watching from the front row of the gallery with another woman, began to cry, causing the young man to also lose his composure.
As Caillé was escorted from the courtroom after his hearing, he blew a kiss to his mother.
Caillé has been charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of assault causing bodily harm and two counts of assault in connection with the Aug. 10 death of longtime Peninsula resident Bruce Ridout.
Two women were also injured, and neighbours reported a violent altercation between a young man and woman prior to Ridout’s death.
When a neighbour – who identified herself through an online comment on a Peace Arch News article as Melissa Brady – tried to intervene, she was threatened and had a knife thrown at her, before she called 911.
According to police and witnesses, the attacker then went inside Ridout’s house and threw knives and other objects off the balcony. When another neighbour went in to subdue the assailant, he discovered Ridout’s body and ran out of the house asking for someone who knew CPR.
According to neighbours, Brady ran inside and attempted to assist the man. In her online comment, Brady said she was with Ridout when he died.
“I shall never forget what happened and how senseless this crime was. RIP Bruce. My heart is with you everyday,” she writes.
While police have not released any details regarding cause of death, witnesses say Ridout was stabbed while coming to the defence of a woman.
Caillé’s next court appearance is Sept. 5.
