Accused Milverton murderer makes court appearance

CTV Kitchener: Schweitzer in court Nicole Wagler’s family was in the gallery as the man accused of killing the Milverton teen made a court appearance. Nicole Lampa reports.

The man accused of killing a 17-year-old girl and attempting to kill a 22-year-old man at a home in Milverton appeared Wednesday in a Stratford court.

Michael Schweitzer, 24, is charged with the first-degree murder of Nicole Wagler and attempted murder of Tyler Baker in a December 2012 shooting.

Police found Wagler’s body at a home on Edward Street.

Baker was sent to a London hospital in critical condition, but later recovered from his injuries.

Schweitzer, who neighbours say was roommates with Baker, was arrested at the scene and has been in custody ever since.

Members of Wagler’s family were in the courtroom Wednesday as Schweitzer’s case moved to the preliminary inquiry stage.

“Nicole always kept our family together. Even now, she still is. We’re all here because of my sister,” brother Mason Wagler said outside court.

A publication ban is in effect on evidence presented during the preliminary inquiry.

The preliminary inquiry, which is held to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial, is expected to end with a judge’s decision in the spring.