Date for murder trial in death of Kugluktuk actress penciled in for 2024
Dates for trial of Scott Hala to be confirmed in January
Scott Hala will stand trial for the murder of actress Emerald MacDonald, shown in this file photo from her appearance in the movie “The Grizzlies.” Trial dates were reserved for May 21 to May 31, 2024, in Kugluktuk. These dates are set to be confirmed on Jan. 8. (File photo)
Scott Hala will be going to trial for the first-degree murder of Emerald MacDonald, whose body was found on May 3, 2021, in a cabin outside Kugluktuk.
He will also be tried for an attempted murder charge in relation to a second person, who was medevaced to Edmonton. As well, Hala faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault.
He was arrested and charged on Oct. 15, 2021.
MacDonald is known for playing the role of Miranda Atatahak in The Grizzlies, a 2018 movie about a lacrosse team in Kugluktuk that helps fight the high suicide rate in the community.
Lawyers for the Crown and Hala met in an Iqaluit courtroom Thursday with Justice Susan Charlesworth to discuss when and where the trial would be.
The trial is tentatively scheduled for May 21 to May 31, 2024, in Kugluktuk. These dates are set to be confirmed on Jan. 8.
Crown lawyer Emma Baasch said she is seeking a two-week trial in Kugluktuk, since there is evidence in the community that would be useful to prosecutors. She said the RCMP agree that a trial could proceed in Kugluktuk safely.
Hala’s lawyer, Rob Warren, pushed for a trial in Iqaluit instead.
Hala did not appear in front of the court in person or on video.
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