Accused murderer Anne Norris began to sob as she sat in the dock in Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court in St. John’s Monday morning.
Having calmed herself, her face crumpled again as Justice William Goodridge addressed potential jurors in her case and informed them of Norris’ charge: first-degree murder.
About 200 members of the public are at the courthouse, summoned as potential jurors in the murder trial. Jury selection is underway and the trial is expected to start on Monday, lasting until Feb. 15.
There’s a witness list of 38 people, including neighbourhood residents, RNC patrol and forensic officers, experts from the RCMP federal crime lab, the province’s chief medical examiner, and forensic psychiatrists. They may not all be called to testify at trial.
About 200 members of the public are at the courthouse, summoned as potential jurors in the murder trial. Jury selection is underway and the trial is expected to start on Monday, lasting until Feb. 15.
As proceedings began this morning, Goodridge reminded the potential jurors that Norris is deemed innocent and it will be up to Crown prosecutors Iain Hollett and Jeff Summers to prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Norris is represented by lawyers Jerome Kennedy and Rosellen Sullivan.
Norris, 30, is accused of killing 46-year-old Marcel Reardon, whose body was found beneath an outdoor stairway at Harbour View Apartments in St. John’s May 9, 2016. Sources say he appeared to have been beaten.
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Jury selection set to happen in St. John’s today for accused murderer Anne Norris
Police recovered a weapon they believe to have been used in the murder but they have not disclosed what it is.
Norris had moved into the apartment building days prior to Reardon’s death.
Goodridge told the potential jurors he expects the jury selection process will be completed this afternoon. Fourteen people will be selected: 12 jurors and two alternates.
Twitter: @tara_bradbury
