The case against a Collingwood man and former Brampton firefighter charged with first-degree murder and accused of killing his wife is coming to the local courthouse in April for 12 days of preliminary hearing.
James Schwalm is accused of murdering his wife, Ashley Schwalm, 40. Her body was discovered inside a Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicle on January 26, 2023 at 5:55 a.m. The vehicle had careened down an embankment on Arrowhead Road and caught fire after landing.
On Feb. 3, OPP announced Schwalm's death was the subject of a homicide investigation and that her 38-year-old husband, James Schwalm, had been charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a dead body. On Feb. 17, police announced they had upgraded the charges to first-degree murder.
James Schwalm was a captain with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, but has since been fired.
The prosecution, Crown Attorney Lynn Saunders and Assistant Crown Attorney Rebecca Watson, and defence, Joelle Klein, were before Justice Robert Gattrell this morning in Barrie to confirm they are ready to proceed with the preliminary hearing beginning April 2 in Collingwood. There are 12 days reserved for the hearing.
A preliminary hearing is held by the court for a judge to decide whether there is enough evidence to send a case to trial, according to the Government of Canada's department of justice. At the hearing, the prosecutor presents their case against the accused and may call witnesses to give evidence. Following a preliminary hearing, a judge can decide to dismiss charges, or may send a case to trial. If the accused pleads not-guilty, a trial date will be set.
None of the charges against James Schwalm have been proven in court.
