Friday, December 26, 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

Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor

Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor
OTTAWA — Many of Canada's battle-scarred veterans wait up to eight months to find out if they are eligible for long-term, mental-health disability benefits and the department responsible for their care has no idea if its treatment programs are effective, the auditor general said Tuesday.

Vets needing PTSD benefits face dizzying paperwork, eight-month wait: auditor

Splitting off investigative role from Elections Canada cost $2.9 million

Splitting off investigative role from Elections Canada cost $2.9 million
OTTAWA — A Conservative government decision to move the office that investigates election fraud out from under the roof of Elections Canada is costing almost $3 million in up-front costs.

Splitting off investigative role from Elections Canada cost $2.9 million

Harper's infrastructure plan to cost $300M next year, will trim surplus to $1.6B

Harper's infrastructure plan to cost $300M next year, will trim surplus to $1.6B
That's Ottawa's new projection for next year's budgetary surplus following Prime Minister Stephen Harper's $5.8-billion infrastructure announcement.

Harper's infrastructure plan to cost $300M next year, will trim surplus to $1.6B

Defence rests its case at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial

Defence rests its case at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial
MONTREAL — The defence formally rested its case in the first-degree murder trial of Luka Rocco Magnotta on Tuesday without the accused having taken the stand.

Defence rests its case at Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial

Key witness testifies at fisherman's second-degree murder trial in Cape Breton

Key witness testifies at fisherman's second-degree murder trial in Cape Breton
PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — A crew member aboard a fishing boat told a murder trial in Cape Breton on Monday that Phillip Boudreau was shot at and hooked with a fishing gaff after the captain suspected him of "playing" with their lobster traps.

Key witness testifies at fisherman's second-degree murder trial in Cape Breton

National Energy Board to ask Canadians for input on pipeline safety

National Energy Board to ask Canadians for input on pipeline safety
SAINT JOHN, N.B. — Members of the National Energy Board will hit the road early in the new year to hear what Canadians have to say about pipeline safety.

National Energy Board to ask Canadians for input on pipeline safety