Homicide victim Cosmea-Aspillaga stabbed to death
Armando Cosmea-Aspillaga was stabbed numerous times in the neck and chest in his own Edmonton home Friday night, sources told CBC News.
Court documents reveal the victim's father-in-law is accused of using a knife and air soft gun in the attack.
Roberto Robles, 73, faces one charge of second-degree murder.
On Monday morning, he made a brief court appearance in Edmonton by closed-circuit TV.
He appeared to be confused as he walked towards the camera wearing the orange coveralls issued by the Edmonton Remand Centre.
The victim's mother began to sob quietly when Robles appeared on the TV screen. She travelled from Cuba after receiving word her only son had been murdered.
Flavia Robles, the victim's wife, was also in court for her father's appearance. She sat in the back row of the courtroom wearing sunglasses and a black suit.
Through a friend, she declined comment to CBC News, citing advice provided by a lawyer and by police.
Flavia Robles and Cosmea-Aspillaga were engaged in a bitter, year-long separation and custody dispute at the time of his death. They continued to live in the same house.
'I want to know the truth'
The victim's childhood friend also made the trip to Edmonton. Ernesto Rodriguez says he wonders how Cosmea-Aspillaga could have fallen victim to the deadly attack. He points to the age and frail physical condition of the accused.
"I want to know the truth," Rodriguez said. "Mandy was a strong man. (The accused is) an old person, 73 years old, with five strokes, who walked with the assistance of a cane."
Roberto Robles is scheduled to appear in court again July 11 for a bail hearing. The judge granted him extra time to find a lawyer.
After setting the date, Robles asked the judge: "That's it?", then said "Thank you" and left the room to return to his jail cell.
An autopsy on Cosmea-Aspillaga will be conducted Tuesday morning.
The victim's friends say Cosmea-Aspillaga's wife has allowed them to repatriate the body to Cuba, expected to cost about $13,000.
janice.johnston@cbc.ca
@cbcjanjohnston
