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8- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 12, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Accused now faces manslaughter charge A head shorter than the two Halton police officers that escorted him, the 15-year-old teen accused in the manslaughter death of popular T.A. Blakelock student Drew Hildebrand made an appearance in Milton Court Friday. With hands cuffed in front of him, the youth stepped into the prisoner's box where he showed no visible emotion when he was told that he now faces one count of manslaughter, upgraded from the previous charge of aggravated assault. The lead up to the tragedy dates to Saturday, March 29, when the 15-year-old was tossed out of an Oakville house party after allegedly trying to instigate a fight with Hildebrand. Police said when the boy was thrown out of the house, he waited outside for Hildebrand, 16, to emerge. A brief altercation between the two ensued. It was during the scuffle that Hildebrand fell to the ground where he struck his head on a driveway curb. Other partygoers separated the two, at which point the accused left the area while Hildebrand walked home. During the night, Hildebrand became ill and the following day he was taken to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children suffering from severe head injuries. He lapsed into a coma and remained on life support for 10 days before his death April 2. The accused, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested on April 2 and charged with aggravated assault. The youth also faces a charge of breach of recognizance in connection with the incident. A previous court agreement stated he was to be confined to his home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. unless accompanied by his legal guardian. During Friday's bail hearing, the youth was told by the judge he faces the possibility of being sentenced as an adult unless the court decides otherwise. The judge asked if the parents of the accused were in court, at which point he was told that the boy's father had been informed about the hearing, but was not present. As a result of the new manslaughter charge, the bail hearing was postponed until May 15, until which time the accused will remain in custody. The teen was also ordered not to contact the nearly 60 witnesses listed by the court. Drew Hildebrand is survived by his parents, grandparents, brother, stepfather, stepsister and stepbrother. "Drew Hildebrand will always be remembered as a loving, caring, compassionate and funny individual who had the rare ability to raise smiles and brighten hearts wherever he went," wrote Hildebrand's brother Warren in an obituary in Friday's Oakville Beaver. "Drew touched many people's lives in his short time with us, all of whom will never forget or stop loving him. Rest well, Drew." A celebration of Hildebrand's life will be held today (Saturday) at St. Simon's Anglican Church, 1450 Litchfield Rd., at 11 a.m. In Hildebrand's memory donations may be made to the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, Trauma Unit, 555 University Ave., Toronto, On, M5G 1X8, www.sickkidsfoundation.com. Condolences may be sent to drew.hildebrand@wardfh.com. NEVER RECOVERED: Drew Hildebrand died Tuesday after falling into a coma due to a head injury suffered in a fight outside an Oakville house party March 29. His accused assailant now faces a manslaughter charge. OAKVILLE SPRING FAIR APRIL 10 - APRIL 20 Hours: Monday - Friday open 4 pm. Saturday & Sunday open 12 noon Closing 6 pm April 20th DUNDAS & TRAFALGAR ROAD 400 Dundas St. East · 905-257-TIRE COME ENJOY ALL THE FUN Rides, Games & Candy Floss RIDES INCLUDE · · · · Ferris Wheel Scrambler Berry-Go-Round Merry-Go-Round · Fire Chief · Scooter Bumper Cars · Family Swinger · Bumble Bee Bob · Cliff Hanger · Orient Express (Coaster Ride) ALL RIDES 1 Coupon Only Coupons are $2 each or 10 for $15 DENTURES COMPLETE DENTURE 349 905-842-8209 ea. $ LIMITED TIME OFFER