Wade Paterson
Black Press
The man accused of killing 24-year-old Brittney Irving will be in a Kelowna courtroom when he is tried for first-degree murder this September.
Thirty-one-year-old Joelon Verma’s application to have his trial moved from Kelowna was denied Thursday morning.
Verma has been in custody since June 25, 2010 following an investigation into Irving’s death.
Irving, who grew up in the North Okanagan, was reported missing April 7, 2010 after an alleged drug transaction turned ugly.
Her Ford Explorer was found on Philpott Road (in Kelowna) shortly after she was reported missing. A few weeks later, Mounties announced her body had been located.
The exact location where her body was found has not been disclosed by police.
Verma’s case will return to court for a pre-trial hearing Jan. 31. He remains in custody.
