Austin Deir, charged with causing the death of 2 women, elects to be tried in Supreme Court
Preliminary inquiry to be held over five days in April; Deir has not yet entered a plea
Austin Deir, the man accused of being impaired during a highway collision in January that resulted in the deaths of Erin Pretty and Haley Keating, has elected trial by judge alone at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The case against Deir was called in provincial court in Clarenville on Tuesday. His lawyer, Rosellen Sullivan, appeared by telephone on his behalf before Judge Paul Noble.
Five days have been set aside, beginning on April 10, for a preliminary hearing. If the hearing determines there is sufficient evidence against Deir to take the matter to trial, he will formally enter a plea during an arraignment.
The RCMP have charged Deir — who is a 72-year-old resident of Mount Pearl and a veteran labour leader — with two counts each of impaired operation causing death and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.
Investigators have not revealed whether they believe Deir was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
The fatal collision on the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 21, has ignited an emotional and angry response from the family and friends of the two victims, and stoked the debate over the dangers of impaired driving.
The collision occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway near Arnold’s Cove during ideal driving conditions. Deir was driving westbound in a Chevrolet Equinox SUV, which collided head-on with a smaller eastbound Hyundai passenger car.
Erin Pretty died at the scene. Haley Keating died in hospital a week later.
Both women were 22 years old. Keating was from Long Harbour, while Pretty was from Dildo.
Deir was pulled from his burning vehicle by passersby, and police said later that he “showed signs of impairment.”
Six months after the fatal collision, the RCMP announced in July that Deir was being charged following what was described by Cpl. Jolene Garland as a “significant investigation.”