Murder trial postponed for man accused in Cole Harbour home invasion

A murder trial that was scheduled to begin in two weeks in Halifax has been postponed indefinitely.

Markel Jason Downey, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ashley MacLean Kearse, whodied four years after she was shot in a home invasionin Cole Harbour, N.S.

On Monday, Downey's lawyer, Pat MacEwen, indicated in Nova Scotia Supreme Court he is withdrawing from the case.

His reasons cannot be reported so as to protect Downey's right to a fair trial. MacEwen has agreed to stay on the case to help Downey secure a new lawyer.

Justice Timothy Gabriel reluctantly agreed to postpone the judge and jury trial. The judge said he will do what he can to get it rescheduled before the end of this year.

Downey remains in custody.

Heinitially faced 28 charges in connection with the 2014 incident, including three of attempted murder. Kearse, who was initially paralyzed in the shooting,testified at his original trial. Downeywas acquitted of all charges in February 2017.

Those acquittals were overturned on appeal and Downey had faced a new trial on charges of attempted murder until Kearse died last year due to what the medical examiner determined were injuries sustained in the shooting.Downey was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.

He is also accused of attempted murder relatedto two other victims who were wounded at the time of the home invasion.