Robert Steven Wright of North Bay made a brief court appearance on Aug. 27 in Sudbury.
See: Police name Robert Steven Wright, 39, of North Bay as a suspect in Sweeney murder
On Aug. 16 the Crown Attorney's office was successful in its effort to authorize a direct indictment against Wright for second-degree murder in the killing of Renée Sweeney.
The Ministry of the Attorney General is allowing the direct indictment against Robert Steven Wright, meaning there will be no preliminary hearing — originally scheduled for November — and the case will go directly to trial.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, Wright's matter was adjourned to Sept. 12, when Wright will appear via video remand in order to set a date for trial.
Wright, 38, remains in jail after being denied bail in March. He was arrested Dec. 11, 2018, and was originally charged with first-degree murder. No reasons were given explaining why he now faces second-degree murder charges.
