Witness in Frommelt murder trial detained despite willingness to testify

Alec McLennan, a key witness in the murder trial of Gerald Russell Frommelt, remains detained in the Calgary Remand Centre after failing to respond to a subpoena, despite telling Justice David Labrenz he would testify if released.

McLennan, who called 911 after discovering victim Jamie Lynn Scheible in a northeast Calgary home on April 7, 2022, claimed he never received notice of the trial start date set for Monday. "Your honour, I wasn't aware of the date of the trial. If I was released, I'd have no problem showing up. This is very inconvenient," he told the court via video link.

Labrenz rejected the argument. "I understand your inconvenience, but there are more important matters before the court," the judge said, maintaining that criminal proceedings take precedence. Frommelt is charged with second-degree murder in Scheible's death. McLennan faces additional minor criminal charges.

McLennan is to appear before Justice Labrenz again on the witness warrant, with a separate appearance before Calgary Court of Justice scheduled for Tuesday on his own charges. The trial of Frommelt, who is listed as Scheible's estranged partner, continues.