Photo: Contributed

UPDATED 10:45 A.M.

The preliminary inquiry begins today in Kelowna for the man accused of a random, unprovoked murder on a Kelowna bus last year.

Tyler Jack Newton is charged with second-degree murder in the attack that killed 55-year-old Caesar Rosales, who bled to death while taking the No. 8 bus home from work on Oct. 30, 2014.

The bus was stopped behind the Dilworth Shopping Centre on Baron Road at 6:30 p.m. when Rosales was stabbed without provocation and died at the scene.

Less than 24 hours after the incident, police had Newton in custody and, on Nov. 2, he had been charged.

Newton sat in the prisoner box on Tuesday wearing a long sleeved black shirt with white accents. His hair was buzz cut short and he kept his head down for most of the proceedings.

He appeared to have several friends and family members in the court room showing their support.

Newton has remained in custody since his arrest last year.

The four-day preliminary inquiry is expected to run until Friday at which time it is anticipated the case will head to trial.

All evidence presented during the preliminary inquiry is under publication ban and therefore can't be reported.

Crown Counsel says they will present 17 witnesses over the next four days.

For past Castanet stories on this case, click here.