Accused in murder of OPP officer in northern Ont. makes first court appearance

Const. Tarun Bali, 29, died June 9 when he was struck by a vehicle. Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst, has been charged with first-degree murder in the case. (OPP photo)

An 18-year-old accused of killing an Ontario Provincial Police officer in Hearst, Ont., earlier this month made his first court appearance Wednesday morning by video.

Const. Tarun Bali, 29, died June 9 when he was struck by a vehicle. Justin Veronneau, 18, of Hearst, has been charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Bali was from Brampton but was working in Hearst temporarily when he was killed.

Reports said that Veronneau was being evaluated in hospital under the Mental Health Act when he escaped. OPP accuse him of driving the vehicle that struck and killed Bali as police were trying to capture him.

Returns to court Aug. 19

In addition to first-degree murder, Veronneau is charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a vehicle and two counts of flight from police.

Veronneau appeared on video remand June 24 from Monteith Correctional Complex in Iroquois Falls. Justice Lynn A. Grzela of the Ontario Court of Justice presided over the hearing.

Lawyer Sharon G. Sabourin represented Veronneau, but said she has not yet been formally retained in the case.

Sabourin said they are waiting for disclosure from the Crown before they can schedule a preliminary hearing.

Grzela set a date of Aug. 19 for the case to return to court, again by video remand.