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Magnotta trial set to resume in Montreal with defence case

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Oct, 2014 11:07 AM

MONTREAL — Luka Rocco Magnotta's lawyer is expected to begin presenting his case at the accused's first-degree murder trial today.

The 32-year-old Magnotta is charged in the slaying and dismemberment of Jun Lin in May 2012 in Montreal before he fled to Paris and then Berlin.

He has admitted to killing the Chinese engineering student, but has pleaded not guilty by way of mental disorder.

It is not clear how long Magnotta's lawyer, Luc Leclair, will take to present his case.

Magnotta faces four charges in addition to premeditated 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.

Crown prosecutor Louis Bouthillier presented his final scheduled witness on Tuesday as details emerged of Magnotta's arrest in Berlin on June 4, 2012.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer told the jurors it's normal to have a few days separation between Crown and defence evidence in such a trial.

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