The man accused of second-degree murder in the death of a much-loved Vancouver man made his first appearance in Vancouver Provincial Court on March 31.
Kitsilano resident Brent Steven White, 51, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Justis Daniel, 77.
Daniel was the caretaker of Tatlow Park who was found murdered in his west-side home in December.
Defence lawyer Paul McMurray told Judge Maria Giardini he anticipates receiving Crown disclosure in the case in advance of White’s next appearance on April 20.
McMurray said he would be looking at scheduling for B.C. Supreme Court.
Daniel was found dead on Dec. 10, 2021, in his home on the grounds of Tatlow Park, near West 3rd Avenue and MacDonald Street.
The Texas-born father of one was known as a talented singer and guitar player.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said White was arrested without incident.
Police said the long-time caretaker was a well-known Kitsilano community fixture and had no known enemies. At the time of his death, there were no suspects and no known motive.
VPD major crime section commander Insp. Dale Weidman said White and Daniel were casual acquaintances, but not friends.
The VPD is not commenting on a motive and cause of death.
“This crime shocked the community and caused significant anxiety, in part because we could not immediately explain what happened or guarantee there was no ongoing public safety risk,” Weidman said March 28. “We hope this arrest begins to restore a sense of safety that some had lost, and that more answers will soon be given through the court process.”
Daniel’s death was Vancouver’s 17th homicide of 2021.
White remains in custody at North Fraser Pretrial Centre.
