The trial of accused murderer Trevor Pardy has been delayed after the court was told this morning that Pardy had fired his lawyer Jeff Brace.
The trial, scheduled for three weeks, was set to begin in Newfoundland Supreme Court before a jury.
Pardy is accused of killing his former girlfriend Triffie Wadman on Oct. 1 of last year in St. John's.
Justice Wayne Dymond told the jury that the trial cannot proceed due to the issues with Pardy and legal counsel. He said it is "very unfortunate."
The case will be called in court again Dec. 3 for an update.
Family members of Wadman became emotional in court after the judge announced that the trial could not begin.
Pardy has pleaded not guilty to all three charges he faces first-degree murder, using a firearm to commit a crime, and having an unlicensed weapon (a nine-millimetre handgun).
The incident happened on Boggy Hall Place, off Forbes Street in the Topsail Road area of the capital city. Witnesses called the RNC around 1 a.m. that day reporting that a woman was lying in the street.
Wadman, of Freshwater, Placentia Bay, who lived in St. John's, was brought to hospital and treated for gunshot wounds. She died of her injuries.
Pardy, who grew up in Keels, Bonavista Bay, but lived in Mount Pearl, was taken into custody following a four-hour standoff with police after the shooting. He's been in custody ever since, having been denied bail.
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By the same standard, society is also entitled to a fair trial. The victims are also entitled to a fair trial. Fairness is fairness for everybody. When the accused's rights are the only ones being considered, we are not having fair trials. I am not saying if this person is guilty or not guilty, however, the concept of fairness has to be equal for all involved. If not, it's not a fair trial. This is what's happening to the justice system. It is because of the perception that the accused is the only one who matters, is why the general public is losing faith in that same system.