This preliminary inquiry determined if there was sufficient evidence to commit the accused, Jacob Norn, to trial for trafficking in fentanyl and manslaughter.
The defence conceded the trafficking charge but argued against committal for manslaughter, asserting insufficient evidence regarding causation, particularly concerning the victim's consumption of other substances (Etizolam).
The court reviewed evidence including text messages, e-transfer records, security video, witness testimony, and forensic toxicology reports, which indicated the victim died from combined fentanyl and etizolam toxicity.
Applying the legal test for preliminary inquiries (the Shephard test) and the essential elements of unlawful act manslaughter, the court found reasonable inferences available to a properly instructed jury that the fentanyl supplied by the accused was a significant contributing cause of death.
Consequently, the accused was committed to stand trial on both charges.
