Curtis Dagenais has a few more months to seek legal counsel before a judge rules on the fate of his truck in a forfeiture and destruction case. Dagenais appeared in a Saskatoon court for the hearing but mentioned he hadn’t been able to receive advice on the Crown’s application.

Dagenais is currently serving three life sentences without the possibility of parole for 25 years, following his conviction for the murder of RCMP constables Marc Bourdages and Robin Cameron, as well as the attempted murder of Const. Michelle Knopp. The incident occurred on July 6, 2006, when Dagenais shot the officers after a police vehicle collision with his blue GMC truck during a pursuit on rural roads.

The focus of the hearing in the Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench is Dagenais’s truck, with the Crown seeking its forfeiture for subsequent destruction. Despite serving his sentences at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, Dagenais attended the hearing via video conference.

Justice Daryl Labach emphasized the court’s intention to provide Dagenais with ample opportunity to present his arguments, granting one final adjournment for preparation before the scheduled hearing on Oct. 19. The proceedings were delayed as the truck’s status was overlooked, as explained by prosecutor Scott Bartlett.

Although Dagenais previously contested the forfeiture application while waiting for support from Innocence Canada, a non-profit organization advocating for wrongfully convicted individuals, the case has resurfaced with his continued opposition. Dagenais believes the bullet holes in the truck, presented as evidence during his 2009 trial, can support his innocence claim.

Regarding the legal aspects of forfeiture, Justice Labach highlighted the standard procedures under the Criminal Code. Bartlett concurred with the limited discretion in refusing forfeiture unless the impact is deemed disproportionate to the offense severity or circumstances. Labach emphasized the importance of the upcoming hearing and the need for a resolution.

Labach pressed Dagenais on his reasons for wanting the truck back, questioning its value beyond being a liability and storage burden for the police. Despite Dagenais’s varied responses, Labach affirmed the scheduled hearing date, signaling a decision regardless of legal representation.

The court proceedings underscore the ongoing legal battle surrounding Dagenais’s truck and the impending decision on its forfeiture and destruction.