Teen charged in girl’s murder

Autumn Dawn Desjarlais, 18, appeared in a Port Alberni courtroom July 16, 2015, charged with the murder of 19-year-old Carlene Jack.

Autumn Dawn Desjarlais, 18, appeared in a Port Alberni courtroom Thursday (July 16, 2015), charged with the murder of 19-year-old Carlene Jack early Wednesday morning.

Desjarlais waved to the dozen family members in the courtroom, but otherwise remained expressionless in the prisoner`s box.

Justice Peter Voith was brought over from Supreme Court to hear the criminal matter.

Desjarlais was remanded into custody and was sent to the Alouette Correctional Center for Women in Maple Ridge.

Crown prosecutor Todd Patola named eight witnesses that will be called if the case goes to a full trial. He also asked the witnesses names be protected by a publication ban until trial.

Outside the courtroom, many of the family members cried. They declined requests to speak to reporters gathered there.

Desjarlais was to appear in court again via video link this week, after the Albenri Valley News went to press.

Alberni Valley News