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The Crown will give an opening statement to the jury Monday and call its first witness in the first-degree murder trial of Matthew McQuarrie in Owen Sound.
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Superior Court Justice Erika Chozik gave her instructions to the jury Tuesday for the trial which she told prospective jurors during jury selection could take eight to 12 weeks.
McQuarrie was 34 and of Meaford when charged with first-degree murder in the May 2, 2020 death of Emmerson Sprung, 25, of Meaford.
McQuarrie wore a black pinstripe suit and sat in the prisoner’s box in the middle of the courtroom, while a handful of people sat in the body of the court, in addition to two court security officers and a city police officer.
McQuarrie is representing himself, but the court has appointed two lawyers to assist him. Lawyer Tony Bryant has been appointed amicus, or friend of the court, to assist the court and McQuarrie, Chozik explained to the jury on Tuesday. His duties could include addressing the jury on McQuarrie’s behalf, she said. Lawyer Stephanie Marcade was appointed to cross-examine certain witnesses on behalf of McQuarrie, the judge told the jury.
Two lawyers are representing the Crown, Meredith Gardiner and Jayme Lesperance.
The judge advised the jury not to take anything from the fact that McQuarrie is sitting in the prisoner’s box, that he’s representing himself, or that lawyers have been appointed who may assist him.
Fourteen jurors were seated in the jury box but only 12 will decide the facts of the case. Two extras were appointed in case one or two jurors are excused from the trial. Another five standby jurors sat in the body of the court Tuesday.
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