A Creston man accused of second degree murder has been committed to stand trial.
A preliminary hearing for Mitchell Earl McIntyre wrapped up in Cranbrook last week. No date has been set for the trial, which will be heard by Supreme Court judge alone.
McIntyre was charged in March 2022 with the death of Julia Howe, 56, who was found inside her home a month earlier.
An obituary said she was born in Creston and worked as a school bus driver. She is survived by her father, four siblings, four children, and four grandchildren.
Police said although her death was originally thought to be the result of natural causes, it was later determined to be a homicide, although they didn’t say how they figured that out.
McIntyre has remained in custody since his arrest.
Police said McIntyre and Howe are believed to have known each other.
The cause of death has not been released.