1st-degree murder charge laid in Michael Wassill death

A 20-year-old Ottawa man is once again facing an upgraded murder charge in the death of Michael Wassill, also 20, who was stabbed in the neck while his family said he was protecting a friend.

• Charge upgraded to second-degree murder
• Wassill death sees upgraded charge
• Wassill dies after altercation at home

Carson Morin is now facing an upgraded charge of first-degree murder after Michael Wassill's death. Wassilldied in hospitallast month more than a week after suffering irreversible brain damage in an incident on May 15.

Morin was originallycharged with attempted murderand possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace, but that charge was laterupgraded to second-degree murderafter Wassill died in hospital.

Wednesday marked the first time Wassill's family attended a court appearance, according to his uncle Paul Champ.

Suspect showed 'no emotion,' says victim's uncle

"Well we knew what was going to happen ahead of time, the Crown prosecutor and the investigating police officers had told us that they were going to upgrade the charges."

"You know, it was important for us," said Champ about the upgraded charge. "We're still really just reeling in shock from the death. We don't have any feelings about Mr. Morin at all, in a way, but knowing that it's going to be first-degree, we're happy, we're pleased."

Champ said the suspect, Morin, appeared to show no emotion while in court. He also said Morin ison his third lawyer.

"Police haven't really told us very much about their investigation," said Champ. "But the simple fact that they've now upgraded the charge to first-degree murder tells us that they really understand what happened here."

The family is hoping a trial will take place sometime next year, but so far a trial date has not been set.

"We're kind of just steeling ourselves for the tough marathon this will be," said Champ. "We're confident that justice will be done and we'll be following it all the way."