Two Lethbridge men have been located and charged in connection with the homicide of Christopher James Ballendine.

 

 

Kerry Alan Zeller, 53, has been charged with second-degree murder and Terry Christopher Bissonette, 51, has been charged with manslaughter.

 

A week-long investigation conducted by Lethbridge Regional Police determined that both men were known to Ballendine. The victim was found in his home Oct.14 on the northside of Lethbridge, having sustained severe injuries to his upper torso.

 

Ballendine was taken to Chinook Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

 

According to press release from the LRPS, an autopsy was conducted on Oct.18 at the Calgary medical examiner’s office, and solidified suspicions that his death was a result of blunt-force trauma to the upper-body.

 

Searches of the area surrounding Ballendine’s home were conducted after the police arrived on scene. The weapon was found shortly after near Ballendine’s home in an alley; police are refusing to comment on what it was.

 

Zeller made his first court appearance this past Tuesday. He appeared in person and his case has been put over to Nov.17.

 

Bissonette appeared via closed circuit television from the correctional centre, and will be back in court this Thursday.

 

Police believe that Ballendine had been targeted for this malicious beating.