Yellowknife (Sep 01/06) - A one-time Yellowknife crack dealer convicted in connection with a brutal 2003 murder, is facing another serious charge, this time in Prince George, B.C.

Dale Courtoreille, 46, is charged with aggravated assault in connection with the beating of a 56-year-old man, who remains in critical condition in a Vancouver hospital.

Courtoreille appeared in a Prince George courtroom yesterday. Another hearing is set for today where a judge will decide if he will remain in custody.

Police have not released the name of the victim.

Courtoreille pleaded guilty to accessory to murder in 2004 in connection with the death of reputed Yellowknife drug dealer Justin Hai Van Vo.

Vo was hit in the head with a crow bar then strangled to death with an extension cord after an argument over $900 in drug money on June 16, 2003. Courtoreille admitted to helping two other crack users dispose of the body but he was not involved in the murder.

Vo's body was found partially burned outside of town. Courtoreille owned the downtown crack house where the murder took place. The crack-cocaine dealer was sentenced to 18 months in jail for the crime.

RCMP spokesperson Const. Gary Godwin said the victim is in critical condition in the intensive care unit at a Vancouver hospital.

"They're all head injuries," said Godwin.

The victim was beaten in downtown Prince George on Aug. 18 around 6 p.m. Police are calling the man a good samaritan who witnessed a domestic dispute between Courtoreille and a woman. The victim tried to diffuse the situation, according to police.

Godwin said he doesn't believe Courtoreille and the victim knew each other before the assault. The man was first sent to the Prince George Regional Hospital, but due to his deteriorating condition, was transferred to Vancouver.

The reason for the dispute between Courtoreille and the woman could not be released because of the investigation, said Godwin.

"That would be speaking to evidence," he said.

The woman's name, age, and relationship with Courtoreille were unavailable by deadline. Godwin said he did not believe the woman suffered any injuries.