Justin James Dodd says he intends to represent himself on two second-degree murder charges connected to the bodies of two men found dead inside a Crofton residence on Oct. 23.
Dodd appeared in a Duncan courtroom for the first time on the charges Tuesday morning via video conference from an undisclosed location.
鈥淭hese are allegations,鈥� he said when addressed by Judge Roger Cutler. 鈥淚 know I didn鈥檛 do anything so I don鈥檛 need a lawyer.鈥�
Cutler immediately advised him to reconsider.
鈥淚 do encourage you to seek counsel,鈥� he said. 鈥淢any people who are innocent or believe they鈥檙e innocent seek counsel. This is a serious matter.鈥�
Dodd was undeterred.
After respectfully acknowledging Cutler鈥檚 advice, 鈥淚 ultimately choose to represent myself,鈥� he reiterated.
Crown Counsel is still gathering information on the case and it was adjourned for three weeks to Nov. 23.
鈥淭his will likely go forward with a preliminary hearing,鈥� Cutler told Dodd. 鈥淚 won鈥檛 take your plea today.鈥�
Crown Counsel Jody Patsch said the case would be reviewed before the next court appearance and disclosure provided.
Tom and Brad Johnson were both found dead in a home at 6848 Crofton Road and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP immediately determined their deaths to be homicides. Dodd was arrested at the scene and charged with their murders.
The investigation into the incident that claimed the lives of the two men has been ongoing.
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