The man charged in the second degree murder of Jo Ann Jackson elected for a trial by judge alone during consultation at his Oct. 8 appearance via video at the Salmon Arm Law Courts. 

Scott Keith McDonald, 37, was arrested on June 24 in connection to the June 19 death of Jackson, 66, in Sicamous after charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Service. McDonald has since had six court appearances, with the latest to elect the mode of trial at which he opted for Supreme Court judge alone with a preliminary inquiry.

"We'll adjourn the matter to the judicial case manager, we'll make that for next week, Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 11 o'clock to schedule a pre-trial conference with an indication that there will be a four day estimate for a preliminary inquiry," Judge George Leven said, adding McDonald is not required to attend the appearance to fix a date. 

Originally arrested at the scene, the suspect was released from custody on June 20 "on police issued undertaking for manslaughter with several preventative conditions," a media release from major crimes unit Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said at the time. The investigation continued before charges were approved days later. 

McDonald remains in custody while awaiting trial.