A Kamloops man accused of beating a teenager into a coma following a high-school graduation party in June 2016 is proceeding with his attempts to have his trial moved out of Kamloops.
Kristopher Teichrieb is facing charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault in connection with the June 19, 2016, beating of 18-year-old Jessie Simpson, who remains in Royal Inland Hospital and has since turned 20.
Simpson was beaten near Teichrieb’s home, in the area of Holt Street and Clifford Avenue in Brocklehurst, in the early morning hours.
Teichrieb’s lawyer, Jordan Watt, filed an application last month to have the trial moved to Kelowna in order to give his client a fair trial, given the notoriety of the allegations.
In B.C. Supreme Court on Monday, Watt said prosecutors are reviewing his information, noting it is possible the change-of-venue application will proceed with the Crown’s consent.
Lawyers will return to court on Dec. 18 to provide an update on their progress.
Simpson’s friends and family have said the Savona teen and South Kamloops secondary student was celebrating high-school graduation in the hours leading to the assault.
Teichrieb was arrested shortly after the attack and has been in custody since.
After spending months in a coma, Simpson began to wake up following a brain surgery in January. Since then, his condition has fluctuated and he has been sent to RIH’s intensive-care unit multiple times.
Simpson’s mother, Susana, told KTW in October her son’s condition had improved somewhat. In June, a B.C. Supreme Court judge declared Simpson legally infirm, appointing his mother to act on his behalf.
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