(Hamilton) A man accused of shooting an Ontario Provincial Police officer has been granted bail in connection with another case after the first was denied, according to court documents.
Randall McKenzie, 25, was denied bail in December 2021 as he awaits trial on multiple charges in Hamilton, including assault, assault against a peace officer and several gun-related offences.
The documents were reviewed and McKenzie was released on bail in June under strict conditions, including that he wear a GPS monitor, carry no weapons and report to the police twice a week.
He may leave his home for certain cases, such as a medical emergency, attend meetings with his attorney, or follow the advice of a local birth center.
The documents did not state the reasons for either decision, but they say a judge issued a warrant for McKenzie’s arrest in August after he failed to appear at a scheduled court appearance before the court.
A defendant may request that the reasons for a decision be subject to a publication ban, although it is not clear whether this action is taken.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday night, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrick said he was “outraged” that McKenzie was released on bail before Constable Crescorse killed Pearsala.
McKenzie and Brandi Crystal Lyn Stewart-Sperry, 30, both face charges of first-degree murder in connection with Constable Pearsala’s death.
He was shot Tuesday afternoon when he responded to a call about a vehicle in a ditch west of Hagersville, Ont., police said.
