The man accused of murdering White Rock resident Bruce Ridout has been released from custody while he awaits the start of his trial.
Jeffrey Caillé, who was 22 at the time of his arrest last summer, was released on $100,000 bail recognizance, with surety, but without deposit, on Feb. 6.
Among conditions, the bail order dictates he is to be released in the company of his father or mother, and is to reside with one or the other in Quebec. He is also not to be outside the home, except in the company of specified individuals.
Caillé is charged with second-degree murder, one count of assault causing bodily harm and two counts of assault in connection with the Aug. 10 death of the longtime Peninsula resident, at his home in the 900-block of Ash Street.
Prior to his release, Caillé was being held at Port Coquitlam’s Colony Farms.
On Caillé’s Facebook page, the accused changed his profile photo a day after his release to one of himself snowboarding with a woman. Underneath the Feb. 7 photo, Caillé had commented “perfect day!”
When asked by an acquaintance if he was “fine now,” Caillé responded “yep!”
Friends and family of Ridout, 64, have eagerly awaited information about the trial, with some attending Caillé’s brief appearances in court.
Ridout was discovered in his home following numerous 911 calls from neighbours. Witnesses reported seeing a man attacking a woman on the street outside the residence and, later, knives and other objects being thrown off the balcony.
Caillé is schedule to appear in Surrey Provincial Court May 19 to begin his preliminary hearing.
(UPDATE: An earlier draft of this online story included the photograph posted on the accused's Facebook page the day after his release. Peace Arch News was informed the photograph was taken prior to his arrest, and subsequently removed the image.)