Tuesday, December 30, 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

Premiers Christy Clark, Jim Prentice Set Tone For Warm Relations After 'Frosty' Redford Era

Premiers Christy Clark, Jim Prentice Set Tone For Warm Relations After 'Frosty' Redford Era
VANCOUVER — Alberta Premier Jim Prentice and British Columbia's  have promised warmer relations after Clark's "frosty" dealings with former premier Alison Redford.

Premiers Christy Clark, Jim Prentice Set Tone For Warm Relations After 'Frosty' Redford Era

Debris Clearing Begins After Creeks Flood Streets, Homes In Vancouver's North Shore

Debris Clearing Begins After Creeks Flood Streets, Homes In Vancouver's North Shore
VANCOUVER — Homeowners in Vancouver's North Shore were assessing the damage after creeks overflowed and flooded streets and houses overnight.

Debris Clearing Begins After Creeks Flood Streets, Homes In Vancouver's North Shore

French President Francois Hollande continues trip in Quebec City

French President Francois Hollande continues trip in Quebec City
QUEBEC — French President Francois Hollande is continuing his trip to Canada with visits today to Quebec City and Montreal.

French President Francois Hollande continues trip in Quebec City

Safety minister cites 'explosive cocktail' of ideology, addiction, mental illness

Safety minister cites 'explosive cocktail' of ideology, addiction, mental illness
OTTAWA — The federal public safety minister suggests an explosive cocktail of mental health problems, drug addiction and extremist ideology prompted the recent killing of a soldier in Ottawa.

Safety minister cites 'explosive cocktail' of ideology, addiction, mental illness

RCMP say missing Japanese tourist planned to trek into bush and disappear

RCMP say missing Japanese tourist planned to trek into bush and disappear
YELLOWKNIFE — RCMP in Yellowknife say a missing Japanese tourist is presumed dead.

RCMP say missing Japanese tourist planned to trek into bush and disappear

Blue chip advisory panel says putting price on pollution the way to go

Blue chip advisory panel says putting price on pollution the way to go
OTTAWA — A new private commission launching today has a message for federal, provincial and municipal governments: Helping the environment is good for the economy.

Blue chip advisory panel says putting price on pollution the way to go