The defence delivered their closing statement today in Marissa Shephard’s first degree murder and arson trial.
Gilles Lemieux went through all the physical evidence with the jury, pointing out there is very little that actually links Shephard to the crime.
Lemieux says the only DNA evidence found at 96 Sumac Street is from a drop of blood found on the back porch, which he says isn’t conclusive as the DNA expert could not testify when the blood fell.
Lemieux wrapped up his statement by saying the Crown required the jury to believe a 20 year old drug addicted prostitute committed the perfect murder.
Lemieux continues the Crown wants you to believe a 20 year old drug addicted hooker committed the perfect murder. Requires you to accept drug addicted murderer of Baylee Wylie cleaned up the scene, and managed to leave his own DNA, but managed to clean up every link to Shephard.
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 4, 2018
Lemieux also leaned heavily on inconsistencies in the various statements of Devin Morningstar, adding he is an ‘unsavoury witness’ who is confused about what events took place when and the jury should be wary of using his testimony.
Lemieux says Morningstar’s statements have never been addressed, and his versions would have been called to account if he’d testified. Lemieux ‘he wasn’t cross examined, so that leaves you to be the cross examiner. That leaves you to ask the questions I was unable to’
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 4, 2018
The Crown begins their closing statement this afternoon at 1:30.
Judge Zoël Dionne is expected to give his charge to the jury when the trial resumes Monday, after which the jury enters deliberations.
