A key witness in Marissa Shephard’s murder trial this afternoon was called, but didn’t even sit down before being escorted out of the courtroom.
Crown prosecutor Annie St. Jacques called Devin Morningstar to the stand, and he was brought into the courtroom through the prisoner’s box, right past Marissa Shephard.
When Morningstar was asked to choose between swearing an oath or making an affirmation for his testimony, he refused to pick.
Judge Zoël Dionne tried again explaining Morningstar was brought here to give evidence and answer questions truthfully, and then asked him if he could do that.
Morningstar shook his head and said no.
Judge Dionne asks Morningstar if he will testify and answer all questions honestly and truthfully. Morningstar shakes his head, signalling ‘no.’ Morningstar is escorted from the courtroom, as is the jury.
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) March 21, 2018
He was then removed from the courtroom, and the Crown called another witness.
Crown says they don’t have any more witnesses to call today as they expected Morningstar to be testifying and were surprised with his refusal earlier this afternoon. Judge Dionne says it doesn’t seem likely they’ll be able to change his mind today, suggests letting jury go.
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) March 21, 2018
Prosecutor Annie St. Jacques said they would try to persuade Morningstar to testify when the trial resumes Friday.
Court is not going ahead tomorrow due to the impending storm.
