The trial for the Kelowna man charged with manslaughter in connection to a fatal fight outside a Cactus Club will begin next month.
26-year-old Cory Van Gilder is accused of killing 30-year-old Zachary Gaudette after the two men allegedly got into an altercation outside the Cactus Club on Banks Road on February 17, 2016.
Gaudette, who was visiting from Ontario at the time, was taken to hospital after he was found lying on the sidewalk unresponsive outside the restaurant. He died less than a week later from his injuries.
Van Gilder was not initially charged in Gaudette’s death. Two months after the incident, Kelowna RCMP announced they had identified a suspect, but said they were waiting on the results of the autopsy before presenting evidence to the Crown to consider charges. Van Gilder was charged with manslaughter two months after.
The trial is slated for June 19 and will begin with jury selection.
Van Gilder, who has a short MMA career, remains in custody after his bail was revoked in December.
Zachary Gaudette (Facebook)