Murder suspect gets bail

Mistissini resident and murder suspect Emmanuel Blacksmith has been released on $2,000 bail with a number of strict conditions. The conditions are as follows: Blacksmith must stay at his parents’ home in Mistissini, he cannot possess or drink any alcohol, he cannot have any type of weapon in his possession, and he must appear in court in Chisasibi on September 16 for a preliminary inquiry.

The incident occurred on May 6 when 48-year-old Mario Fortin was found lying on the ground near the bar at EM-1. He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Blacksmith was an employee at the plant at the time and was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Crown prosecutor Christian Leblanc said it was not uncommon to release a murder suspect into the community. The defense, he says, was able to demonstrate that Blacksmith came from a good home, had no prior convictions and is mentally stable.