Wednesday, December 31, 2025
ADVT 
National

Evidence completed at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Dec, 2014 10:24 AM
  • Evidence completed at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial

MONTREAL — The jury in the first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta has finished hearing the evidence.

The case has been adjourned until next Wednesday, when the defence and Crown will give their closing arguments, followed by the judge's instructions to the jury.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer told jurors today they'll likely be sequestered as of next Friday.

Magnotta has pleaded not guilty by way of mental disorder to premeditated murder and four other charges related to the slaying and dismemberment of Jun Lin in May 2012.

The trial has sat for 40 days and heard from 66 witnesses, including some more than once.

The final witnesses today were defence expert witnesses who'd previously appeared and were recalled to reply to testimony from the Crown expert.

Defence experts have said they believe Magnotta was psychotic, had been untreated for schizophrenia for at least two years and was unable to tell right from wrong when he killed Lin.

The Crown argues the crime was planned and deliberate.

A psychiatrist for the Crown testified he has doubts about Magnotta's schizophrenia diagnosis in 2001, but says even if it is accurate, there's nothing to indicate he was not in touch with reality the night of the killing.

Magnotta is charged with first-degree murder; criminally harassing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of Parliament; mailing obscene and indecent material; committing an indignity to a body; and publishing obscene materials.

MORE National ARTICLES

Chris Alexander announces live-in caregiver changes

Chris Alexander announces live-in caregiver changes
OTTAWA - A long-awaited overhaul of the program that brings thousands of caregivers to Canada every year will remove the requirement that they live with their employers.

Chris Alexander announces live-in caregiver changes

Into the wild: Yellowknife RCMP believe missing Japanese tourist in bush

Into the wild: Yellowknife RCMP believe missing Japanese tourist in bush
YELLOWKNIFE — RCMP suspect a missing Japanese tourist may be trekking in the wilderness north of Yellowknife.

Into the wild: Yellowknife RCMP believe missing Japanese tourist in bush

Kinder Morgan to file court action against protesters blocking pipeline work

Kinder Morgan to file court action against protesters blocking pipeline work
VANCOUVER — Energy giant Kinder Morgan is seeking a court order to stop local residents from blocking survey work for a pipeline route through a conservation area in Metro Vancouver.  

Kinder Morgan to file court action against protesters blocking pipeline work

B.C. Law Society Upholds Member Vote, Won't Recognize Christian Law School Grads

B.C. Law Society Upholds Member Vote, Won't Recognize Christian Law School Grads
VANCOUVER — The governing council of the Law Society of British Columbia has voted to uphold the results of a member referendum, and reject accreditation for graduates of a Christian law school.

B.C. Law Society Upholds Member Vote, Won't Recognize Christian Law School Grads

Harper's announces third China trip next week, before Remembrance Day

Harper's announces third China trip next week, before Remembrance Day
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced plans for his third visit to China, set to begin next week.

Harper's announces third China trip next week, before Remembrance Day

Crown closes case in first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta

Crown closes case in first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta
MONTREAL — The Crown has concluded presenting its evidence in Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial.

Crown closes case in first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta