One suspect charged in the beating death of a man at a reserve residence near Rocky Mountain House made his first appearance in Red Deer provincial court on Monday.

Terrance Andy Beaverbones, 21, is charged with second degree murder in the death of Gordon Marlice Strawberry, 45, on the O’Chiese First Nations Reserve on Sept. 18.

Also charged with second degree murder in Strawberry’s death is Darcy Johny Lightfoot, 30, Evan Ernest Foureyes, 21, Melvina Jean Beaverbones, 36 and 26-year-old Jenny Olivia Beaverbones.

Melvina and Jenny are set to make their first appearance in Red Deer provincial court on Wednesday.

Lightfoot and Foureyes will appear in Rocky Mountain House provincial court on Wednesday as well.

On Monday, charges were read to Terrance, who was dressed in a blue jumpsuit and had a tattoo under his left eye.

He simply replied “yes” when asked by the court clerk if he understood the charge.

Terrance, who has yet to obtain counsel, will be back in court on Oct. 13. At that time it will be determined if a preliminary inquiry will be needed.

At about 11 a.m. on Sept. 18 Rocky Mountain House RCMP and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a residence on the O’Chiese First Nation Reserve after receiving a call of an unconscious male outside of a residence.

Upon arrival the male was found to be deceased and had been covered in blankets and a rug. The male was identified as Strawberry, of the O’Chiese First Nation Reserve.

The police investigation revealed Strawberry was at the residence of Melvina for a house party when an altercation started inside the residence.

RCMP said Strawberry was violently attacked and beaten inside the residence and later dragged outside where the altercation continued.

Police added that a number of people were at the house party and participated in this vicious attack.

On Sept. 20 the provincial Medical Examiner’s office in Calgary completed the autopsy of Strawberry and it was determined that the manner of death was homicide.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com