The Crown has filed a Direct Indictment in the case of R. v. Peter Robert Whitmore.

“A step like this is not common in Saskatchewan and the Crown did not take it lightly in this case,” Crown Prosecutor Anthony Gerein said.

“The Crown respected Whitmore’s request for a preliminary inquiry, facilitated it and was ready to proceed as scheduled.”

Days before the hearing was to commence, Whitmore parted from his counsel and caused the preliminary inquiry to be adjourned. Whitmore himself has advised the Crown that he fired his lawyers.

Considering all the circumstances, including the situation of the victims and their families, the effects delays can have on the case, and the extensive disclosure available to Whitmore’s counsel, the Crown decided to file the Direct Indictment and dispense with the preliminary hearing.

The matter will now move on to the trial court.

Whitmore faces several charges in connection with the July disappearance of two boys and their subsequent discovery in an abandoned farmhouse in the Kennedy-Langbank district.