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Father will stand trial for accessory to teen’s murder

Father will stand trial for accessory to teen's murder | iNFOnews.ca
Matthew Foerster, Taylor Van Diest Credit: SOURCE/ Taylor Van Diest Facebook page

VERNON – A Cherryville man will stand trial for accessory after the fact to murder in connection to the death of Armstrong teen Taylor Van Diest.

Stephen Foerster, 59, the father of the man charged with Van Diest’s murder Halloween night two years ago, is also charged with obstruction of justice.

Evidence was reviewed by judge Mayland McKimm in Vernon Provincial Court over a three-day preliminary hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to commit him to trial. Van Diest’s mother, twin sister, and other supporters attended the hearing.

Combined with the second anniversary of Van Diest’s death, it’s been an emotional week for family, friends and the community. A candle-lit walk will be held Thursday night at 6 p.m., starting outside the Armstrong museum and proceeding up to the Taylor Jade Van Diest Memorial Trail.

Foerster will return to court Nov. 12 to set a trial date. His son, Matthew Foerster, is slated to go to trial next March in Kelowna after several delays caused by changing lawyers. 

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.

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Charlotte Helston

By Charlotte Helston

REPORTER

Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.

Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.

If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.

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