Confusion stalls Kingston murder case
January 7, 2025
Accused murderer Kyle Pyke said nothing at a court appearance Friday that seemed to be mired in confusion.
Justice of the Peace Ruth Campbell presided over the Ontario Court of Justice on Wellington Street for what was supposed to be a simple appearance for instructions following a Judicial pretrial (JPT) meeting held on December 16, 2024. But at Pyke’s Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, court appearance, it quickly became apparent that simplicity was not in the cards, and following some confusion, the appearance was rescheduled.
Tyler Schnare appeared as Associate of Counsel of Record for Pyke’s attorney, Mary Cremer. They indicated that they were under the impression that a JPT meeting was held in December 2024.
“My friend can correct me if I'm if I'm wrong," Schnare said, "but I believe a JPT was held in December, and we need to schedule a conference to set up prelim,” Pyke’s counsel said, referring to a preliminary pre-trial hearing.
Crown attorney Shawn Eagles answered that his notes indicated that the JPT meeting had not occurred.
After more back and forth between the two, Judge Campbell indicated that the representatives could figure out the confusion independent of the court’s time, and ordered a return in late January to allow for a JPT to actually to take place.
Pyke was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2024, following a three-week investigation into a violent death on Leroy Grant Drive by Kingston Police.
On Saturday, Jul. 27, 2024, a large police presence enveloped the area in of the 100 block of Leroy Grant Drive. Police were dispatched to the area alongside Frontenac Paramedics at around 8:15 p.m. that night after receiving reports that an individual had suffered serious injuries as the result of an altercation. Both emergency services attended to the injured person, who was transported to Kingston General Hospital. However, the unidentified victim was declared deceased at the hospital.
In a press release on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, Kingston Police announced that as a result of their investigation, 34-year-old Kyle Pyke was charged with:
- Second degree murder
- Breach of release conditions
Kingston Police have since confirmed that the victim of the homicide was 33-year-old Tyler Daines of Kingston.
Kingstonist will continue to follow this case as it makes its way through the courts.