Case adjourned for man accused of murdering senior in Newmarket

The case of the man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Newmarket senior has been postponed as a new defense attorney takes office.

Phillip Rulli, 56, appeared via CCTV before a judge-led intensive case management court on November 5, but his case was adjourned as new counsel reviewed the case.

Rulli will appear in court on December 20.

He has previously said he admitted to punching his bail officer and briefly spoke again about admitting to it during his court appearance.

Rulli is accused of killing 66-year-old Dennis Sweet in an apartment building at Timothy and Prospect streets.

York Regional Police arrived at the senior living building around 8:50 a.m. on September 2, where they found Sweet, who had been stabbed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect and victim knew each other, police say.

Rulli had lost his counsel during his last court appearance and had shouted expletives in an earlier performance. But he was calmer during Tuesday’s appearance as the court discussed his case.

“Have a nice day, everyone,” Rulli said as he left.