The case of a Coquitlam man charged with the murder of a man he allegedly met through an internet dating service began its preliminary hearing in court, Oct 4.
Kenneth Jensen is charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of George Ammon Kong.
Crown counsels Rusty Antonuk and Cathie Grant called seven witnesses to testify at the preliminary hearing. Their evidence is banned from publication by law.
During the proceedings, the Crown requested an additional publication ban to protect the identity of one of the witnesses. Judge Pedro de Couto reluctantly granted the order, saying the increasingly regular use of the ban could undermine the openness of, and public confidence in, the justice system.
The hearing was adjourned to Oct 23 pending the appearance of another witness.
New Westminster police found Kong’s body Jan 23 after he failed to show up for work three days in a row, Xtra West reported Feb 14.
At the time, police also told reporters that Kong and the accused had allegedly made arrangements to meet for the first time through an internet dating service.
Jensen, who appeared in court in a red prison jumpsuit, remains in police custody. When the preliminary hearing resumes, de Couto will decide if the Crown has presented enough evidence to proceed to trial.
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