Crown argues accused had intent to kill 13-year-old

Crown lawyersargued Mondaythat two men charged with the rape and murder of 13-year-old Nina Courtepatte knew what was going to happen and must be found guilty.

Prosecutor John Watson suggested in his closing arguments Mondaythat Joseph Laboucan and Michael Briscoe had plenty of time to think about what to do and it doesn't matter who struck the fatal blow.

Laboucan, of Fort St. John, B.C., and Briscoe, of Edmonton, are charged with first-degree murder, aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping in Courtepatte's death. Her body was found onan Edmonton-area golf course almost two years ago.

Watson argued the two men knew of a plan to pick a girl at random from West Edmonton Mall and convince her to join a group on the promise of a party, but did nothing to prevent the murder.

Watson told the judge hearing the case thatit's not enough of a defence for Briscoe to say he didn't want Courtepatte killed.

The prosecutor also said Briscoe willingly drove the victim to a secluded area with her attackers, and anything he did or didn't do after that point doesn't matter.

Three youths have also been charged in Courtepatte's death, with one male pleading guilty, one teenage girl having yet to go to trial, and a second whose trial was set to begin Monday in another courtroom.