Inuvik (Apr 14/03) - A murder trial that was set to begin last Monday was postponed when one of the co-accused's lawyers asked to be removed from the case.

Ronald Frank Sayers, 22, and Shelly Marie Elanik, 18, were jointly charged with second-degree murder in connection with the October 2001 death of Keith Blair, a disabled desk clerk who worked at the Mackenzie Hotel.

Crown prosecutor Caroline Carrasco said she had received an application from Yellowknife lawyer Jim Brydon asking to remove himself as counsel for Sayers. Carrasco, and federal prosecutor Bernadette Schmaltz, will represent the Crown while Yellowknife lawyer John Bayly acts for Elanik. It is not known who will replace Brydon as counsel for Sayers.

A new trial date has yet to be set. On Oct. 17, 2001, Inuvik RCMP discovered the body of the 46-year-old Blair.

In January 2002, Sayers and Elanik were jointly charged with second-degree murder.

Elanik is free on bail, while Sayers remains in custody.