There were tears and soft crying in a Nova Scotia courthouse this morning.
The man accused in a vicious weekend stabbing made his first court appearance in Pictou.
Early Saturday morning, 27-year-old Scott Jones was stabbed twice in the back, and his throat cut, just outside a New Glasgow bar.
Jones, a well-known musician and choir director, is paralyzed from the waist down.
His mother and family were among more than 40 supporters to up at 19-year-old Shane Matheson’s court appearance this morning.
Matheson faces charges of aggravated assaulted and attempted murder.
“Those of us who know and love the family want to me there to do everything we can to support them,” says Monica Punke, a close friend to the Jones family. “That means sitting right through the proceedings, which at times to us can seem to be in another kind of world, which it is, but it must take its proper course.”
Family and friends say they think Jones was attacked, because he is openly gay.
Police say they have no evidence of that, at this point in the investigation.
Emotions ran high during Matheson’s brief appearance.
“I saw him on the news, and I can’t say anything else about it,” says Jones’ roommate Amy Punke. “I feel sad for him and his whole family. I mean, it’s a terrible time for everyone.”
One woman, who would not give her name, yelled, “We love you Shane,” as the accused left the courtroom.
“He’s my nephew, and in support of my sister and Shane.”
Meanwhile, donations are coming in to a website all in support of Jones.
It says, “He is not a victim. Scott Jones is a survivor.”
A trust fund has also been set-up at all ScotiaBank branches.
Matheson will remain in custody until his next court appearance for a bail hearing on October 31st.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh
