A former Quebec judge who is facing a murder charge in connection with his wife's death appeared briefly in court Monday morning in Quebec City.
Jacques Delisle, 75, was charged last week with the first-degree murder of his 71-year-old wife, Nicole Rainville.
Her death was initially believed to be a suicide, but after a lengthy investigation, Quebec police arrested Delisle.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.
"What was supposed to happen today is the crown would give his attorneys the latest evidence they have against their client, and then they were supposed to set the date for a preliminary hearing. Instead, everybody will be back in superior court on Wednesday morning for a bail hearing, and then they'll (…) decide when the preliminary hearing will be held," said CTV Montreal Quebec city Bureau Chief John Grant.
Grant noted the arrest of the retired judge has been particularly shocking to those who work in the justice system.
"It had to be a very bizarre moment for Jacques Delisle today. After sitting on the bench for years, he stood in the prisoners' box looking up at the bench."
Delisle, who was named to the Quebec Court of Appeal in 1992, retired just two years ago, and is very well known.
A judge has not yet been selected to preside over his case.
"It's a real interesting challenge for the coordinating judge, and the main judge for the superior court, because Delisle has been around for many, many years (…) he must know every judge in the province," said Grant.
"The choice of a judge, is, shall we say, a bit delicate."
