Derek Saretzky's psych assessment says he's fit to stand trial: RCMP

RCMP say Derek Saretzky the man accused of killing southern Alberta toddler Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and her father has been deemed psychologically fitto stand trial, although a judge has yet to rule on the matter.

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Saretzky is charged with first-degree murder in the September deaths of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and her father, Terry Blanchette.

He was arrested in theCrowsnestPass area afterBlanchette'sbody was found in hisBlairmorehome.

RCMPsay the Alberta Crown informed policeof the psychological fitness report on Wednesday.

But when Saretzky made a brief appearance in a Lethbridge court via CCTVThursday, a judge made no decision on his fitness for trial.

The matter was adjourned toFebruary to givedefence counsel time to review the assessment, which has not been made public.

Cheyenne Dunbar, Hailey's mother, told CBC News she was very happy to learn that the report found Saretzky fit for trial.

He was initially sent for a 30-day review of his mental health, but last month a judge was tolddoctors needed more time for their analysis.

Media reports said the 22-year-old recentlyreturned to the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre after being taken to the emergency room in Calgary Wednesday following a hunger strike.

He was also taken tohospital in"medical distress" in September.