Trial for murder of Guylaine Potvin | Marc-André Grenon will not testify

After a week-long suspense, the defense announced Monday that it would not present evidence at the trial of Marc-André Grenon, tried for having sexually assaulted and murdered Guylaine Potvin 24 years ago. The jurors will therefore have to render their verdict without having heard the accused’s version.

This announcement made Monday morning had been postponed for several days due to a health problem for judge François Huot.

Note that an accused has the absolute right not to testify at his trial. The jury cannot blame a defendant for not wanting to explain himself on the stand.

The lawyers will now argue on Wednesday to try to convince the jurors of their respective theories. According to the Crown, Marc-André Grenon sexually assaulted and murdered Guylaine Potvin, a 19-year-old student, in his apartment in Jonquière in April 2000. A crime unsolved until recently thanks to advances in DNA research , according to the Prosecution.

At the end of the pleadings, Judge Huot will give his final instructions to the jury. Then, the 12 jurors will be sequestered during their deliberations.