A Montrose man accused of the first-degree murder of his estranged wife has fired one of his lawyers.
But Donald Danchella’s other lawyer says a new co-counsel should be hired within a week, and all sides are still working toward a Nov. 9 date to start his trial.
Danchella is accused of killing Lindsay Batts Danchella, 44.
The trial was scheduled to be heard in Rossland before a Supreme Court judge and jury starting and last about three weeks. However, it’s possible Danchella could change his mind and choose to be tried by judge alone instead.
The defense is awaiting a key report to determine how to proceed.
Today Justice Lindsay Lyster asked that two pre-trial conferences be held, with the second to come on Sept. 9.
Danchella’s preliminary hearing took place in February. Such hearings are used to determine if there is enough evidence to send a case to trial.
Danchella, who was born in 1977, has been in custody since Nov. 4, 2024. On that day, police were called to a home in Montrose about a man assaulting a woman on the front lawn.
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.
