Janel Squirrel homicide: Emotions run high at Leo Pantherbone court appearance

Five people wereescorted out of a Calgary courtroomafter emotions ran high during the trial of a man accused of killing his girlfriend in northeastCalgary earlier this month.

Leo Pantherbone,45, is charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Janel Squirrel.

Squirrel's body was foundin the basement of the northeast rooming house they shared in Whitehorn.

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At Pantherbone'scourt appearance Tuesday, five members of the victim's friends and family were leaving the courtroomwhen one became agitated.

He began making threatening gestures towards the accused, making a cutting motion to his throat.

"Emotions are running high," said Rame Katrib, Pantherbone's lawyer.

Although the accusedappeared before the judge via closed circuit television, he was able to see the courtroom.

"I heard a noise behind me and I saw a number of people were removed from the courtroom, more so because of thedecorum," said Katrib.

The judge and sheriff spotted the man threatening Pantherbone, and the group was escorted out. They left the courthouse without incident.

On a Facebook page dedicated to Squirrel, her mother made a plea for supporters to attend today's appearance heldin a courtroom dedicated fordomestic violence cases.

The matter was adjourned until Dec. 8 while Katrib waits for disclosure. He hasn't ruled out applying for bail.