Jury charged to bring back verdicts in four-month-long Windsor murder trial
The jury in a Windsor murder trial that began in February over an incident that happened more than three years ago is finally being charged to come back with a verdict.
Kyle Hanna, Tameko Vilneus and Keermaro Rolle are accused in the April 1, 2020 south Windsor shooting death of 20-year-old Madisen Gingras and the attempted murder of her boyfriend, Jacob Reaume.
After four gruelling months of witness testimony, expert opinion and more than 200 exhibits of evidence, the fate of the three accused men is now in the hands of the jury.
In court Tuesday, Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia spent the bulk of the day reading instructions to the jury, detailing page upon page of evidence in the case from experts to DNA evidence, as well as two key but diverging witness testimonies from Reaume and Vilneus.
Justice Carroccia detailed to the jury exactly what she was about to send them away to do: find a verdict for each of the accused.
All three men are standing trial together but Justice Carroccia reminded the jury their verdicts do not need to be the same.
Each person charged is entitled to be treated separately on each charge and have their case decided on the evidence and the burden of proof is on the crown to prove anyone’s guilt.
”You must be satisfied of their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” Justice Carroccia told the jury. “In considering all the evidence, use your good common sense.”
On the charge of first-degree murder, the jury has options to find any or all of the accused parties guilty of either first degree murder, second degree murder, manslaughter or not guilty.
On the charge of attempted murder, the jury must choose between guilty or not-guilty.
“Keep an open mind but not an empty head,” Justice Carroccia instructed the jury on the best way to find a verdict. “Listen in a calm and impartial manner about what your fellow jurors have to say.”
The jury of 12 will now be sequestered until they reach a verdict for each of the accused.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.