Metchosin murder trial: One of accused no longer part of proceedings
The murder trial of two inmates accused of killing a Vancouver Island man after escaping a minimum security federal prison took a sudden turn this week.
Zachary Armitage and James Lee Busch are charged with killing 60-year-old Martin Payne in July 2019, a day after the pair walked away from William Head Institution, about eight kilometres from the victim's home in Metchosin.
On Tuesday, however, Justice David Crossin told the jury that Armitage will no longer be a part of the proceedings, telling them he has been dealt with separately, and that it would be inappropriate for them to speculate why that could be.
Meanwhile, Busch’s trial will proceed, and evidence against both men will continue to be presented.
Both men pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder when the five-week trial began on Nov. 14.
This week, the jury saw several surveillance videos of the two accused in the days after their escape from William Head Institution on July 7, 2019.
The first showed them driving Payne’s Ford pickup truck along a residential street in Oak Bay before parking it and walking away.
Another camera later captured the two men at the Victoria International Marina on July 9.
The video shows Const. Glenn Foley of the Victoria Police Department – who took the witness stand Thursday – approaching the two men, who were walking away from him.
Foley said once he identified himself as a police officer, they stopped and turned around.
He said he instantly recognized Armitage because of a tattoo on the inmate's neck, saying he had seen the two men’s mug shots that morning.
Foley called for backup, and the two were arrested without incident.
Payne was found dead in his home on July12, 2019. The Crown believes he was killed on July 8, after returning from his job as a mail carrier.
The court previously saw images of the 60-year-old lying in a puddle of blood in his bathroom, with a hatchet, a knife and a tape dispenser found nearby.
An RCMP forensics identification specialist previously testified that Armitage’s hand- and fingerprints were found on several objects in Payne’s home, including the tape dispenser.
Payne’s two daughters, Calla and Jessica, have sat in the front row of the gallery throughout the trial.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, obviously the whole situation is devastating to all of us,” Calla told reporters outside of B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver during the first week of the trial.
“Sitting in the courtroom is very difficult, but we're happy that we have each other and the support that we have and looking forward to seeing justice come for this,” said Calla.
Despite having to sit through disturbing images, some of which show their father the day he was found, the sisters have held strong.
While the experience in court may be painful, they said there were too many unanswered questions to not attend.
“Things are coming to light that I’ve been wondering about continually, non-stop, for the past three years,” said Jessica. “For me that’s my main reason."
“Also to be there for my dad, to show support for his memory.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.