Barrett Trial Concluded; Verdict Expected In April
The Crown and defence have made their closing arguments at the second degree murder trial of Thomas Ted Barrett. The 40 year-old Glace Bay man is charged in the death of Brett Elizabeth McKinnon, of Glace Bay, whose remains were found in 2008, two years after she was reported missing. In his summation, defence lawyer Brian Bailey said that the Crown has not proven its case against Barrett beyond a reasonable doubt. He also said that police failed to investigate other possible suspects who could have killed McKinnon. In addition, Bailey attacked the credibility of Crown witnesses by saying that they were all taking drugs. In its closing, the prosecution argued that a number of witnesses say that Barrett strangled MacKinnon. The Crown added that all of the witnesses were afraid of Barrett and didn’t come forward until they were contacted by police. Justice Robin Gogan says she’ll deliver a verdict in the case on April 4th.