7 jurors selected for Richard Henry Bain's murder trial
Bain stands accused of killing a lighting technician outside the PQ's 2012 election victory party
The task of forming a jury to hear Richard Henry Bain's murder and attempted murder trial has begun in Montreal. Five women and two men have been selected for the jury so far.
Bain is charged in connection with a shooting outside the Parti Québécois's 2012 election night victory party, in which one person was killed and another was injured.
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.
Bain stands accused of the murder of lighting technician Denis Blanchette. He also faces three counts of attempted murder and two weapons-related charges.
On Monday, Bain quietly entered not guilty pleas to all six charges against him.
Stage technician Dave Courage, who was also seriously injured on the night of the shooting, is among the roughly 50 people expected to testify at the trial.
The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Tested on level of English
Prospective jurors are being questioned about their knowledge of the case and about their level of understanding of English.
A total of 600 people have received notice they could be called upon as jurors.
Of those potential jurors ordered to appear in court Monday, Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer said 50 people requested exemptions.
By late in the day Monday, 127 potential jurors had been questioned.
Jury selection will continue on Tuesday for the final seven jurors – five, to fill the slate of twelve, in addition to two alternates.
Once a jury is in place, the Crown will begin presenting its case against Bain.
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 later this week.
with files from Ainslie MacLellan