CALGARY — The families of five young people killed in a stabbing at a house party in Calgary two years ago are getting to have their say in court.
In an unusual move at the trial of Matthew de Grood, an agreement was reached to allow members of each family give a tribute to their loved ones.
The tributes are similar to victim impact statements given during sentencing, but are to have no impact on the final verdict.
The judge says it is appropriate to let them have their say.
Patty Segura says her son Jordan would help perfect strangers and gave away "hugs for free."
Lawrence Hong was remembered by his brother Miles as a friend to many.
Kaitlin Perras, Josh Hunter and Zackariah Rathwell were also killed in the attack.
Their families are scheduled to give tributes as the hearing continues.
De Grood has admitted he killed the five, but has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
His lawyer says he plans to argue his client was not criminally responsible for the killings.
