Thursday, December 25, 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

Ticats cornerback Brandon Stewart recalls icy reception with the Stamps

Ticats cornerback Brandon Stewart recalls icy reception with the Stamps
Hamilton defensive back Brandon Stewart spent his first two years in the CFL with Calgary, seeing limited action and an unwanted trip to an ice bath.

Ticats cornerback Brandon Stewart recalls icy reception with the Stamps

Trial dates for Nelson Hart set for February in alleged prison incident

Trial dates for Nelson Hart set for February in alleged prison incident
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A man released from prison after murder charges were dropped in Newfoundland and Labrador will be back in court in February to face trial on charges of uttering threats and assaulting a peace officer.

Trial dates for Nelson Hart set for February in alleged prison incident

Fisherman's fate in hands of jury at Nova Scotia murder trial

Fisherman's fate in hands of jury at Nova Scotia murder trial
PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — A jury began deliberations today in the case of a Nova Scotia fisherman who has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of a man at sea.

Fisherman's fate in hands of jury at Nova Scotia murder trial

Manitoba government counters wrongful conviction lawsuit filed by Kyle Unger

Manitoba government counters wrongful conviction lawsuit filed by Kyle Unger
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba attorney general's office has responded to a $14.5-million lawsuit filed by Kyle Unger, who spent 14 years in prison for murder before being cleared.

Manitoba government counters wrongful conviction lawsuit filed by Kyle Unger

Elimimian named CFL's outstanding player, top defensive performer

Elimimian named CFL's outstanding player, top defensive performer
A record-setting season earned Solomon Elimimian a piece of CFL history Thursday night.

Elimimian named CFL's outstanding player, top defensive performer

Vancouver Police Officer Handed Six-day Suspension For Pushing Disabled Woman

Vancouver Police Officer Handed Six-day Suspension For Pushing Disabled Woman
VANCOUVER — A rookie Vancouver police officer who admitted abusing his authority when he pushed a disabled woman to the ground has been suspended for six days.

Vancouver Police Officer Handed Six-day Suspension For Pushing Disabled Woman