The Crown’s case closed on Friday, on day 13 of the murder trial of Marc-André Grenon. The defense, for its part, will announce its position to the jury on Monday morning as to whether a defense will be presented or not.
• Read also: Murder of Guylaine Potvin: “Hundreds of billions of times more likely” that the DNA found is that of Marc-André Grenon
• Read also: Trial of Marc-André Grenon: elements of DNA evidence questioned by the defense
“The defense is asking for the weekend to be able to discuss with their client before announcing their position regarding a possible defense,” Judge François Huot explained to the 14 jurors before releasing them for the weekend on Friday morning.
Two scenarios are therefore envisaged for the start of next week.
If a defense is offered, Me Karine Poliquin and Me Vanessa Pharand will make their witnesses heard. Otherwise, points of law will be decided between the parties with a view to the pleadings which will take place sometime during the week.
The lawyers of Marc-André Grenon, Me Vanessa Pharand and Me Karine Poliquin.
Photo Agence QMI, Roger Gagnon
It should be noted that the accused has no obligation to present a defense since he is presumed innocent until the end of the proceedings. It is the Crown’s burden to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
End of Crown’s case
The prosecution’s evidence ended Friday morning with the end of the cross-examination of forensic biologist Caroline Paquet.
The latter described to the jury the matches between the genetic profile of the suspect found at the scene of the murder of Guylaine Potvin in 2000 and that of the accused, taken after surveillance in 2022.
In total, eight samples taken in 2000 contained the accused’s DNA, according to the expert’s conclusions.
Box of condoms seized by the authorities in Guylaine Potvin’s room, after her death on April 28, 2000. DNA from suspect Marc-André Grenon was taken by biologists from the box. Photo credit: Court furnished
Provided by the court
Five samples taken from the body of Guylaine Potvin, namely from her mouth, her vulva, her vagina and under the nails of both hands, matched. The result was also conclusive for three other samples taken from the victim’s t-shirt, the belt which was allegedly used to strangle him and from a torn box of condoms found in his room.
Belt of Guylaine Potvin, seized by the authorities in her room, after her death on April 28, 2000. DNA from suspect Marc-André Grenon was taken by biologists from the belt. Photo credit: Court furnished
Provided by the court
“The DNA result is hundreds of billions of times more likely if the male DNA taken […] comes from Marc-André Grenon rather than anyone else,” explained the biologist.
The defense raised the fact on Friday that traces of DNA that could not be identified were also found in certain samples. The biologist, however, indicated that we cannot conclude that it could be a third person. It is possible that it is that of the victim or the suspect, but this cannot be confirmed with certainty.
“We cannot include or exclude anyone. It’s invalid since we just can’t make a comparison,” said M.me Pack.
Caroline Paquet, forensic biologist.
Photos by Roger Gagnon, QMI Agency
Three weeks completed
Once the defense was completed, it was mentioned to the jury that points of law would have to be decided in a pre-pleading conference.
The lawyers for both parties will then present to the jurors their final arguments on the guilt or not guilty of Marc-André Grenon on the two counts against him, namely the murder and serious sexual assault of Guylaine Potvin.
Then, Judge Huot will present to the jury his instructions for deliberation. Please note that two jurors will have to be removed by a freelancer before the deliberations. Fourteen people were initially selected, but only 12 will enter the deliberation room to decide the fate of the accused.
The trial will enter its fourth week on Monday. The parties initially estimated the total duration of the exercise at five weeks.