Mexican suspect in Nabb beating will face trial

A Mexican man will stand trial for attempted murder in the vicious beating of Canadian tourist Sheila Nabb, a judge in Mexico has ruled.

Jose Ramon Acosta Quintero, 28,was formally charged with attempted murderby a judge in Mexicolate Wednesday.

With this announcement, the trial can begin, according to Mexican law.

Quintero admitted he hit Nabb in a hotel elevator in a luxury resort in the Mazatlan area, but denied he wanted to kill her. He also said his confession was forced. He has been denied bail.

Nabb, 37, of Calgary was on vacation with her husband at the Riu resort last month when she was found lying in a pool of blood in one of the elevators.

Virtually every bone in her face was shattered after the attack, andshe isrecovering in a hospital in Calgary.

Confession forced,Quintero says

Quintero was arrested on Jan. 28. Prosecutors and investigators said they based their arrest on a hotel security video that showed him leaving the elevator where Nabb was attacked.

Quintero said in a public statement in Spanish and English that he was drunk and high on cocaine when he encountered Nabb.

He said the Canadian was naked when he began chatting with her in an elevator and he panicked when Nabb began screaming, "He won't let me out" when the doors reopened.

Quintero told reporters that he had blocked her exit with his hand because he wanted to continue talking to her. He said he hit her several times in the face when she continued to scream.

The confession before the media holds no legal weight and is a common practice in Mexico.

Quintero said he was forced by police to sign two confessions, including one stating he meant to kill Nabb, as authorities swore at him.

He also told The Canadian Press that he was never allowed to read the confession or speak with a lawyer.

"So I have no idea what my confession says," he said.

Nabb's reconstructive surgery 'successful'

On Jan. 28, Nabb had reconstructive facial surgery, which doctors termed successful, her husband Andrew said.

"Sheila's injuries were very serious and she has a long recovery ahead, but we are looking forward to having her back home where she belongs,"he said in a written statementThursday.

Shehasbeenrecovering in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Calgary and has been responsive, he added.