Taylor Samson's murder case could be jeopardized, says defence lawyer

The defence lawyer for William Sandeson, the man accused of killing a fellow Dalhousie student, says the alleged crime scene on Henry Street has been renovated, compromising the case.

The 22-year-old Dalhousie University kinesiology student and track athlete from Lower Truro, is charged with first-degree murder in Taylor Samson's death. Sandeson was about to start his first year of medical school.

Police say they believe Samson was murdered at Sandeson's Halifax home on Henry Street. Samson's body has not been found.

Lawyer Eugene Tan told reporters outside of court on Wednesday that the apartment has been renovated, affecting his ability to examine the scene with an expert.

"I was shocked," Tan said.

"The allegations are extremely serious.  One would expect that, given that, every effort would have been made to somehow preserve the evidence."

Tan discovered the renovations when he visited the alleged crime scene on Sunday. He's now awaiting more disclosure from the Crown to see what police collected from the apartment before the renovations started.

Tan also questioned why police searched Sandeson family property in Lower Truro.

"Even if these allegations were true, which, I'm not sure that I believe that they are, no way would I believe that he would involve his family," Tan said.

The case returns to provincial court on Sept. 24. In the meantime, Tan will be seeking bail in Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

According to a warrant filed in Halifax provincial court, police suspect Samson was involved in a drug deal before his death.

Tan said his client has no prior involvement with police, "not even a parking ticket."