Beheading suspect's trial moved

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A Canadian accused of beheading a Greyhound bus passenger is to appear in court in Winnipeg next month to have his trial date set, officials say.

The case of Vince Li was moved from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg, 45 miles to the east, because of concerns by both defense and prosecution attorneys about his safety, the Winnipeg Sun reported. There reportedly had been threats against Li, who is accused of killing Tim McLean during a July 30 attack just west of Portage la Prairie.

"Security is an issue," Justice John Scurfield said in accepting the change of venue request. "There is no security in Portage's courthouse."

Crown attorney Joyce Dalmyn said after Friday's hearing that the threats against Li were "not specific enough in nature that we could lay any type of criminal charge" but were serious enough to warrant concern for his safety. Having the trial in Winnipeg will also make it easier for the victim's family to attend since they live in the city, Dalmyn said.

A trial date is expected to be set for Li at a Dec. 10 hearing. Li is expected to face second-degree murder charges and be tried before a judge without a jury, the Sun reported.

Attorneys for Li, who is being confined in a psychiatric unit at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center, are expected to maintain he was not criminally responsible for his actions.