Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 08/02) - Two men accused last month of murdering Hay River resident Yves Labelle are free on bail.

Craig Stromberg, 36, and Ivan Bruha, 50, were released on $5,000 cash bail each in Yellowknife March 1.

A publication ban prohibits publication of evidence from the bail hearing.

The 50-year-old Labelle was found dead by friends Jan. 17 in a room at the Cedar Rest Motel in Hay River.

The two suspects had been remanded in custody at Yellowknife Correctional Centre since they were charged with second-degree murder at the end of January.

Crown Attorney Loretta Colton said she opposed the application for bail, but said it was not unusual for accused murder suspects to receive it.

It always depends on the circumstances, said Colton.

Judge Virginia Schuler imposed conditions on the two accused, including provisions that the men have no contact with one another, or more than 40 other potential witnesses.

Both men are also required to report weekly to Hay River RCMP, and to keep out of licensed premises, and to provide a breathalyzer sample on demand to a police officer.