Murder trial to begin for Matthew Foerster, accused of Halloween night slaying

KELOWNA – A first degree murder trial is slated to begin in B.C. Supreme Court in Kelowna, for the man accused of a Halloween night attack on a north Okanagan teenager.

The trial for 28-year-old Matthew Foerster of Cherryville, B.C., is set for six weeks.

It begins with two weeks of legal arguments before a judge, alone, followed by jury selection.

The first day of open court testimony is expected on March 24.

Foerster is accused of attacking 18-year-old Armstrong resident Taylor Van Diest, as she walked to a party in that usually quiet community on Halloween night, 2011.

The victim's mother, Marie Van Diest, plans to attend all the proceedings, although she says the trial will likely be emotional and very difficult.