Crown to enter a Stay of Proceedings into the Randy Druken case

The Crown will enter a Stay of Proceedings with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland, in the Randy Druken case, as it relates to the June 1993 murder of Brenda Marie Young. The stay will suspend prosecution of the case for one year and allow for further investigation.

"Within the context of information available at the time, the police investigated the death of Ms. Young and followed where the evidence led," stated Minister Parsons. "The entering of the stay at this time is based on the recommendation of outside legal counsel from the Ontario Attorney General�s office. An outside counsel opinion was requested in late fall of 1999."

Ontario Crown counsel has concluded that the case against Mr. Druken is circumstantial and further investigation is required. Mr. Druken�s legal counsel has been informed of the Crown�s decision to enter a Stay of Proceedings, and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will continue its investigation.

Mr. Druken was released on bail in July 1999.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6564.

2000 08 30     11:35 a.m.