A 49-year-old Calgary man facing a first-degree murder charge in the killing of a man found dead outside Carstairs more than eight years ago will be back in Didsbury provincial court early next month.
Russell Steven Tessier was arrested and charged on Dec. 17 in the death of Allan Gerald Berdahl, 36, whose body was discovered by bystanders on Rge. Rd. 28.2 just north of Highway 581 on March 16, 2007.
Tessier appeared by closed circuit TV from the Calgary Remand Centre before Judge Patricia McIlhargey in Didsbury court on Dec. 21.
During the five-minute court appearance, the charge against Tessier was read to the accused for the first time.
Wearing a prison-issue blue overall, Tessier appeared to be paying attention to proceedings, answering several questions from the judge.
Asked when he plans to make a bail application, the accused said, “As soon as possible.”
Asked if he had any questions for the count, Tessier said, “I believe it's pretty straight forward at this time.”
The Crown prosecutor told the judge that the accused “definitely needs to get in contact with defence (counsel)” and that there will be “several volumes of disclosure” in the case.
Tessier, who remains in custody, will be back in Didsbury court on Jan. 4.
