Jurors in the trial of the Granby girl’s stepmother began their deliberations, behind closed doors, Thursday morning. They must determine the fate of the 38-year-old woman who is charged with second degree murder and forcible confinement.
“See yourself as kidnapped. Good deliberation, ”said Judge Louis Dionne before letting the jury go.
All day Wednesday, the judge gave a long summary of the 24 testimonies heard (21 for the Crown and three for the defense) over the past eight weeks. Thursday morning, he then detailed the possible verdicts. He added the possibility that the accused would be convicted of manslaughter instead of second degree murder.
Of the 14 jurors, only 12 participate in the deliberations. One of them was ruled out on Wednesday because he was in contact with a positive case of COVID-19. Another was eliminated in a draw on Thursday.