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

Prime minister appoints Quebec lawyer Suzanne Cote to Supreme Court

Prime minister appoints Quebec lawyer Suzanne Cote to Supreme Court
OTTAWA — An experienced Quebec trial lawyer has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Prime minister appoints Quebec lawyer Suzanne Cote to Supreme Court

Man faces multiple charges in foot-related assaults, footwear thefts in Ontario

Man faces multiple charges in foot-related assaults, footwear thefts in Ontario
AURORA, Ont. — Police say they have arrested a suspect in connection with multiple sexual assaults involving feet and thefts of footwear in several communities north of Toronto.

Man faces multiple charges in foot-related assaults, footwear thefts in Ontario

Finance Minister Oliver says low oil prices have been considered in forecasts

Finance Minister Oliver says low oil prices have been considered in forecasts
TORONTO — Finance Minister Joe Oliver says the federal government has already considered the dramatic slide in oil prices in its fiscal forecasts.

Finance Minister Oliver says low oil prices have been considered in forecasts

Court sets aside RCMP commissioner's 'unreasonable' decision in grievance case

Court sets aside RCMP commissioner's 'unreasonable' decision in grievance case
OTTAWA — A federal judge has overruled the RCMP boss's "unreasonable" decision to deny a staff sergeant's bid for promotion because of long-discounted allegations of misconduct.

Court sets aside RCMP commissioner's 'unreasonable' decision in grievance case

Canada sends parkas, boots to Ukraine as U.S. weighs request for weapons

Canada sends parkas, boots to Ukraine as U.S. weighs request for weapons
OTTAWA — Canada will send the Ukrainian army more than $22 million worth of cold-weather gear, including jackets and boots, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson said Wednesday.

Canada sends parkas, boots to Ukraine as U.S. weighs request for weapons

Road success gives Calgary Stampeders edge on Hamilton Tiger-Cat for Grey Cup

Road success gives Calgary Stampeders edge on Hamilton Tiger-Cat for Grey Cup
VANCOUVER — For the first time since 2011 the Grey Cup will be a neutral-site game, a factor that gives the Calgary Stampeders a big advantage over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Road success gives Calgary Stampeders edge on Hamilton Tiger-Cat for Grey Cup