Suspect in three Calgary homicides found mentally fit to stand trial

The Calgary man accused of murdering his girlfriend and parents has been found mentally fit to stand trial after being examined by a forensic psychiatrist.

Dustin Duthie was at the Calgary Courts Centre for an appearance before Judge Terry Semenukon Wednesday, having been released from the Rockyview General Hospital, where he was on suicide watch last week.

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The 25-year-oldis charged with three counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his girlfriend, Taylor Toller, his mother, ShawnBoshuck, and stepfather AlanPennylegion.

AtDuthie'scourt appearance on Wednesday morning, Dr. GeorgeDuskaspent time with the accused before determining he understood the charges he faces and is mentally fit to stand trial.

Duthie did not speak during the brief court appearance.

Investigators believe Toller was murdered on July 26and thatBoshuckandPennylegionwere killed a week later.

It wasDuthiehimself who called 911 on July 31, according toCBCNews sources.

Based on information he gave police, officers discovered the bodies of Toller at her southeast apartment inApplewoodParkandDuthie'smother and stepfather at their Hidden Valleyhome in northwest Calgary.

Though investigators believe Duthie's parents were killed a week after Toller, charges of second-degree murder indicate police and prosecutors do not believe any of the killings were planned.

In the days after the killings, Boshuck was remembered by friends as a selfless, well-loved nurse while Pennylegion was described as a mentor within the junior football community who had recently coached his son's team to a championship.

Toller's family released a statement describing her as"a kind and beautiful soul." A friend of the 24-year-old said Toller and Duthie would often fight and described the former couple's relationshipas a"negative environment."

Prosecutor Mike Ewensonasked the judge to put the case over three weeks while Duthietries to find a lawyer.

Duthie does not yet have a lawyer and was represented by duty counselMorag Morel for Wednesday's appearance.

Duthie will be back in court Aug. 29.

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