Thursday, January 1, 2026
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

Ottawa Gunman Michael Zehaf Bibeau Hit Several Times Before Dying

Ottawa Gunman Michael Zehaf Bibeau Hit Several Times Before Dying
  OTTAWA - The gunman who charged into Parliament after shooting a Canadian Forces reservist was struck by nearly a dozen bullets from security officers and finally was brought down by Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers.

Ottawa Gunman Michael Zehaf Bibeau Hit Several Times Before Dying

Canada Job Grant applications being accepted from B.C. employers: Jason Kenney

Canada Job Grant applications being accepted from B.C. employers: Jason Kenney
VANCOUVER - The federal employment minister has announced that B.C. businesses can now submit applications for a training program for future workers, with Ottawa footing most of the bill.

Canada Job Grant applications being accepted from B.C. employers: Jason Kenney

Honour guard restored at National War Memorial in Ottawa

Honour guard restored at National War Memorial in Ottawa
OTTAWA - Hundreds of Canadians gathered at the National War Memorial on Friday to witness the return of the ceremonial honour guard, breaking into applause for military personnel and later carpeting the monument with flowers.

Honour guard restored at National War Memorial in Ottawa

Illegal Dump Site Forces B.C. Government To Clean Up 90 Tonnes Of Waste

Illegal Dump Site Forces B.C. Government To Clean Up 90 Tonnes Of Waste
CRANBROOK, B.C. - The B.C. government has taken on the roll of the junk man and cleaned up 90 tonnes of illegally dumped waste metal on Crown land northeast of Kimberley, B.C.

Illegal Dump Site Forces B.C. Government To Clean Up 90 Tonnes Of Waste

Doug Ford says he's not his brother

Doug Ford says he's not his brother
TORONTO - After years spent aggressively defending Rob Ford in the face of mounting scandal, the troubled Toronto mayor's older brother is painting himself as a less controversial version of his notorious crack-smoking sibling in a bid to replace him at the helm of Canada's largest city.

Doug Ford says he's not his brother

Ottawa Shootout Puts Gun Bill Debate On Hold

Ottawa Shootout Puts Gun Bill Debate On Hold
OTTAWA - This week's traumatic shootout on Parliament Hill has prompted the Harper government to put off debate on a controversial gun bill.

Ottawa Shootout Puts Gun Bill Debate On Hold