A preliminary inquiry begins today for a Montrose man accused of killing his estranged wife.
Donald James Danchella is charged with the first-degree murder of Lindsay Batts Danchella, who died in hospital after being attacked on her front lawn on Nov. 4, 2024.
The hearing, which is scheduled to last three days, will determine if there is enough evidence to send the matter to trial.
Donald Danchella, who was born in 1977, has been in custody since the day Linsdsay Batts Danchella was attacked.
Lindsay was survived by her young son, her mother, sister, and other family. She was raised in Richmond and obtained a nursing degree and bachelor of science.
She moved to Montrose in 2018 and became the patient care co-ordinator of the surgical unit at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. She was later community care co-ordinator for Trail home health services.
Two vigils have been held in her honour, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
