Two men committed to stand trial in Corman Park homicide

Colton Robert Lischka and Ashtin Ritzand are committed to stand trial on charges of second-degree murder in the death of James “Ed” Swift.

Author of the article:

Bre McAdam • Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Published Feb 22, 2024 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 2 minute read

James “Ed” Swift died on Aug. 29 after being found on a rural road near Warman. jpg

A pair of men accused in the death of James “Ed” Swift in the RM of Corman Park have been committed to stand trial on charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder and robbery.

Judge Bruce Bauer made the decision on Thursday after a preliminary hearing was held this week in Saskatoon provincial court for Colton Robert Lischka and Ashtin Ritzand.

Article content

The case will now be scheduled for trial at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench. A pretrial date has been set for March 15, Crown prosecutor Paul Scott confirmed.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Sign In or Create an Account

Article content

Lischka, Ritzand and a third accused, Anthony Burley, were arrested and charged on Aug. 29, 2022 after Swift, 40, was found injured at the intersection of Penner Road and Rural Road 3050, between Saskatoon and Warman.

Swift died at the scene. A woman who was with him survived, but was seriously injured.

Ashtin Ritzand is one of two men committed to stand trial on second-degree murder, attempted murder and robbery in the death of James “Ed” Swift. (Saskatchewan RCMP) jpg

According to court documents, Lischka is accused of stabbing the woman and using violence to steal her cellphone. He was released on a $25,000 surety — a payment made by someone as a promise to ensure an accused person follows their release conditions — in November 2022.

Burley was also released from custody in January 2023. He is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder and flight from police.

He has not had a preliminary hearing. His next court date is scheduled for May.

Preliminary hearings are held at the provincial court level to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial at Court of King’s Bench for indictable — or more serious — offences.

The evidence heard this week is not reportable due to a standard, court-ordered publication ban to ensure trial fairness.

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

At the time of the arrests, police said Swift and the woman were in a white Honda Civic with three men when an altercation occurred on a rural road around 6 a.m. The vehicle took off, leaving the injured victims behind.

Burley and Lischka were found at a home on Marlatte Street after RCMP tried to pull over a white Honda Civic they were driving in Saskatoon’s Evergreen neighbourhood.

Ritzand turned himself in the next day.

Recommended from Editorial

Prelims set for two of three men accused in James Swift murder case

Three men make court appearances, accused in death of James Swift

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark TheStarPhoenix.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Article content

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Saskatoon StarPhoenix – https://thestarphoenix.com/news/crime/two-men-committed-to-stand-trial-in-corman-park-homicide