Jury now in place for Richard Bain's murder trial
8 women, 6 men will hear evidence in trial stemming from 2012 election night shooting, starting Thursday
Fourteen people have now been selected for jury duty in the trial of Richard Bain, including eight women and six men.
The panel of 12 jurors, in addition to two alternates, will begin to hear the evidence when the trial gets underway Thursday before Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer at the Montreal courthouse.
Bain is charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder and two weapons-related charges in connection with a shooting outside the Parti Québécois's 2012 election night victory party.
The shooting occurred as newly elected premier Pauline Marois was addressing supporters at a Montreal nightclub. She was rushed from the stage by her protective detail.
Lighting technician Denis Blanchette was killed. Dave Courage, a stage technician, was seriously injured.
Seven jurors – five women and two men – were sworn in Monday. The remainder were selected Tuesday, with all 14 jurors chosen by 5 p.m.
In total, more than 600 people were called for jury duty. A court clerk said 278 were to appear Tuesday.
On Monday, 127 potential jurors were seen and Bain's lawyer said another 94 did not show up.
Another 50 received exemptions.
Those who missed jury duty without a valid reason could face charges for contempt of court.
Defendant complains of discomfort, lack of sleep
Bain has pleaded not guilty to all six charges against him.
This morning, before jury selection resumed, Bain addressed the court about his detention and transportation to and from court.
He's wearing a neck brace because of a recent operation, and he said being transported with his hands chained to his ankles is unnecessary and uncomfortable for him.
Bain told Justice Cournoyer that he's being housed in a dormitory with nine other people and said he can't sleep.
Cournoyer said that Bain has raised issues about his discomfort before, but that they should be given more weight because of his recent surgery.
Officials in charge of the accused man's transportation said the concerns will be addressed.
Series of delays
Although he was charged shortly after the shooting, Bain's trial has been delayed several times and for several different reasons.
He has replaced his lawyer at least twice and represented himself earlier in the proceedings.
More recently, delays were sought so Bain could sell real estate in order to pay his lawyer.
The trial is expected to begin this week and to last six to eight weeks.
with files from Ainslie MacLellan