One of two men facing charges in connection with the November home-invasion death of Corey Bennett in South Surrey is expected to learn later this month if he will be released from custody.
Mathieu Rene Bernard, 27, made a brief video appearance in Surrey Provincial Court Wednesday, when a two-hour bail hearing was set for Jan. 27.
The dark-haired man has been in custody since about two weeks after Bennett’s Nov. 9 death, which police at the time described as a targeted home invasion. He is charged with manslaughter and “where a firearm is used in the commission.”
Donald James Chad Jr., 30, is also in custody. Charged with murder – along with the same firearms charge as Bernard – Chad has no opportunity for bail.
Chad also appeared in court by video on Wednesday. He was fidgety and could be seen trying to tidy his hair.
Police announced the pair’s arrest on Nov. 22, one day after identifying 44-year-old Bennett as the home-invasion victim. The incident occurred at a residence in the 2600-block of King George Boulevard.He is due back in court on Jan. 22.
Bennett was pronounced dead in hospital.
RCMP had been called to the same home a number of times in the months leading up to Bennett’s death, including for a September brawl that resulted in road closures and saw several people taken into custody.
