RCMP say there's still no identity on Vernon's first murder victim of the year, but they are identifying the suspect. 37 year old Kenneth Barter of Vernon made a five minute long first appearance in BC Supreme Court in Vernon today, facing a charge of second degree murder. Crown counsel Howard Pontious told Justice Robert Powers, Barter suffers from a mental disorder, so rather than a bail hearing, he asked for and was granted a publication ban on case details and a 30 day remand in custody to allow Barter to be assessed by a psychiatrist. Barter, who was wearing blue jeans and a green striped t-shirt, will return to court September 9th. He was represented by Vernon lawyer Michael Dugas. Police say the suspect has no previous criminal record. Pontious told the court, "There is clear evidence of a mental disorder by nature of the offence", noting Barter has suffered from paranoid schizophrenia in the past Police say as it's now in the courts they wont be releasing any information on the cause of death, but the victim was a man. The remains were found last Thursday in one of the units at the Villacare Apartments on 33rd Avenue across from City Hall, after police got a call from someone from the suspect's family.It's not believed to be drug related, and police say the victim and suspect knew of each other.
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