Defence in Taylor Samson murder case continues to question evidence

Questions about disclosure continue to dog the murder case against 22-year-old Dalhousie University student William Sandeson.

Sandeson is charged with first-degree murder in the deathof fellow Dal student Taylor Samson last month.

On Thursday, the case returned to Nova Scotia provincial court in Halifax to set dates for a preliminary inquiry. But the lawyers told Judge Bill Digby they weren't ready to proceed.

Defence lawyer Eugene Tan said he only got evidence from the Crown this morning.

"What I got this morning, all of the witness names have been blacked out," Tan said outside court.

"So at this point, I really have a lot of difficulty assessing the situation altogether."

Crown prosecutor Susan MacKay says the heavily redacted evidence files were a mistake.

"To be frank, I think there was a miscommunication yesterday between myself and the police officer," MacKay said.

"I had asked the police officer to take out personal identifying information in regard to the witnesses. I meant phone numbers and addresses and that type of thing. And I think he misunderstood me and he just went a little further than was required and that's going to be fixed up."

The case will return to provincial court Oct. 23 for a status update.

Problems at crime scene, defence alleges

When the case was in court Sept. 2, Tan complained that police had handed the alleged crime scene back to the property owner who had started renovations. At the time, Tan questioned whether he could properly assess the case against his client.

Tan said Thursday he's still not sure he has everything he needs.

"From what I understand I've been provided with some of the original forensic evidence and I've been provided with a videotape of what happened," Tan said.

"I haven't reviewed that yet so that question is still outstanding."

Police say they believe Samson was murdered at Sandeson's Halifax home on Henry Street. Samson's body has not been found.

According to a warrant filed in Halifax provincial court, police suspect Samson was involved in a drug deal before his death.

Tan said his client has no prior involvement with police, "not even a parking ticket."

Just before the case returns to provincial court next month, Tan will be in Supreme Court attempting to get Sandeson released on bail.