Watch above: After being behind bars for four years, Travis Vader could be released in early October. Laurel Gregory has more from the law courts.
EDMONTON – Arguments in the five-day drug and weapons trial for the man once charged in the slaying of two Alberta seniors wrapped up Friday.
A judge is deliberating on whether Travis Vader, 42, is guilty of a number of firearm, drug and theft charges.
On September 8, Vader pleaded not guilty to nine charges – unrelated to the Lyle and Marie McCann investigation – including several involving drug trafficking and weapons.
The nine charges allege he stole a truck, had an illegal revolver in his possession, trafficked methamphetamines and failed to comply with court orders in the Barrhead area June 2010.
He was convicted on several of the charges in 2012, but a judge later declared a mistrial.
Justice June Ross cited the RCMP as negligent because some evidence had not been properly disclosed to the defence.
She ruled that the Mounties “were focused exclusively on the McCanns investigation” and there was no coordination with investigations on the other charges.
Lyle McCann and his wife, Marie, both in their 70s, were last seen alive when they fuelled up their motorhome in their hometown of St. Albert, north of Edmonton, in 2010.
Police discovered the charred remains of the motorhome but the McCanns have never been found.
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First-degree murder charges were stayed against Vader earlier this year and he has filed lawsuits against prosecutors and the RCMP.
The Crown has one year to reinstate them.
READ MORE: Charges stayed against Travis Vader in McCann murders
A decision in the drug and weapons trial is expected October 8. There is a possibility Vader could be released at that time.
“I have all the faith in the world in our judge and that she’s going to make the right decision for him,” said his mother Jennifer Vader.
“We’re all anxious for it to be over with, for his sake. He has to get on with his life. He had a life prior to this and he still has a life and he needs to get on with it.”
She says her son is looking forward to getting back to work in the oil field. She says he’s even had a few job offers already.
With files from The Canadian Press
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