Woman charged with murder denied bail

A 26-year old woman from Medicine Hat who was charged with first degree murder and indignity to human remains in connection with the discovery of a body outside Pincher Creek received a decision on her bail application Monday morning at the Lethbridge Courthouse.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice D.K. Miller denied Melissa Martens-Lagasse’s bail application, saying that her defence failed to meet the onus for release on three grounds.  Due to a publication ban, details about evidence given, submissions made, or reasons behind the judge’s decision cannot be shared.  Martens-Lagasse was arrested and charged on November 23 2021, after being considered a suspect when the remains of 34-year old Megan Eekma were discovered a few days earlier outside of the town on Pincher Creek.  The judge also prohibited Martens-Lagasse from communicating with one of the witnesses. Martens-Lagasse’s next scheduled court appearance by CCTV is set for July 11.