Tyler Noel, accused of murder of Baylee Wylie, makes first court appearance

AMonctonman accused of murdering 18-year-oldBayleeWylielast monthand setting a house on fire made his first court appearance on Thursday, as police continue to search for another accusedwanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

Tyler DominiqueNoel, 18, who eluded police for three weeks before being arrested last weekend,is charged with first-degree murder and arson in connection with Wylie's death.

Wylie's body was discovered after an early-morning house fire on Sumac Street on Dec. 17. RCMP have not released the cause of death, but have described itas being "extremelyviolent."

TheMonctonprovincial courtroom was standing room only on Thursday morningfor Noel's brief appearance.

Wylie'smother, Amanda Wylie, who was weeping openly, was among the observers.

Noel,whose head has been shaved,stood through much of the proceedings, then sat down and hid his face in his hands.

Hestood again, wiped away tears and mouthed "I love you" to someone in the courtroom.

At one point, Noel said loudly, "Stop staring at me."

That guy is staring at me and shaking his head like Idid something.- Tyler Noel

When Judge Irwin Lampert asked what he meant, Noel replied, "That guy is staring at me and shaking his head like I did something."

"Can you stop it now?" Noel asked the male in question, as the judge carried on.

Noel later apologized. "Sorry for the outburst, your honour."

Noel's defencelawyer, Wendell Maxwell, requested an adjournment, saying he has not yet received any disclosure.

The judge set the matter over until Feb. 15 at 9:30 a.m.Noelremains remanded in custody.

Noel is also facing two previous charges of assault with a stun gun, as well aspossession of a prohibited weapon in connection with anincident on Sept. 24.

Those mattershave been scheduledfor trial May24-25 at 9:30 a.m.

Outside the courtroom, Maxwell declined to comment, saying it's too early in the proceedings.

'Emotional' dayfor Wyliefamily

Wylie'saunt, AngieWylie, told CBC News being in courtwas "difficult,"but she vowed to be at everyappearance for each of the accused.

"Really our focus at this point is just justice for Baylee," she said.

Wylie's mother agreed it was "very emotional," but saidshe was "pleased" Noel and the two men who were arrested with him on Saturday in Petitcodiacall remain in custody.

"As faras I'm concerned, that's proving a point that we're not playing any games, and that anybody that could be harbouring Marissa Shephard, I sure hope that you hear this."

Shephard, 20, of Moncton, is also charged with first-degree murder and arson in the case. There is aCanada-wide warrant for her arrest.

2 other men also remain in custody

Zachary Holden, 18, ofMoncton,who is accused of assisting Noel, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, being unlawfully in a dwelling house, flight from police and dangerous driving.

His temporary lawyer asked to waive Holden'sright to a bail hearing for the time being.

Holdenplans toapply for legal aid andis scheduled to return to court on Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m.for election and plea.

Bradley JohnBonnell, 20, of Wheaton Settlement, is charged with being unlawfully in a dwelling house.

His temporary lawyer also recommended adjourning his bail hearing, pending disclosure, but Bonnellinsisted on proceeding.

No details about the hearing can be reporteddue to apublication ban, but Lampert ordered Bonnell'scontinued detention.

Bonnell is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 21.

DevinMorningstar, 18, who was previously charged with first-degree murder and arson in connection withWylie'sdeath, has beensent for a 30-day psychiatric assessment.

RCMPseek help locating Shephard

Meanwhile, RCMP are still searching for Shephard.

Wylie's auntdeclined to provide any update on the ongoingsearch for fear of compromising the case.

"All we request is that the public continue to be what they've been doing any information that they may have that could lead to where she has been, or could be, or may currently be is what's really important at this point," she said.

Shephard is described as being Caucasian, about five-foot-five,100 pounds,with brown eyes and brown hair.

She has a tattoo with the name Stephen on her neck and a tattoo of a crown on her chest not a heart as had been stated in previous news releases.

Police warnshe is considered dangerous due to the violent nature of the crime and that anyone helping herhide could face serious charges.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to immediatelycall 911, the Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).