A Bowden prisoner accused of stabbing a fellow inmate to death made his first appearance in Red Deer provincial court recently.

Keith Sandmaier, 33, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Tung David Louie, 38. Sandmaier appeared in court on Friday wearing a white t-shirt and black jeans. He also had a black eye and both of his hands and feet were shackled.

A second-degree murder charge automatically means Sandmaier will be tried by judge and jury.

The incident took place at 11 a.m. on June 19, the Bowden Institution was placed on general lockdown following the suspicious death of a male inmate in his late 30’s.

Correctional officers responded to a medical emergency just outside one of the living units. Louie was discovered to be in medical distress.

He was transported to an outside hospital, where he later died of stab wound injuries.

Louie was serving a 12-year sentence for weapons, drug and robbery charges and Sandmaier was serving a three-year sentence for armed robbery and property offences.

Both inmates were being housed in the medium security section of the prison.

On Friday, Sandmaier was read his second-degree murder charge in court and when asked by the clerk if he understood his change he responded “I do”.

Sandmaier indicated he has hired Edmonton lawyer Akram Attia.

He was remanded in custody and will make his second appearance in Red Deer court on July 22.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com