Trial begins for man accused of toddler’s murder

REGINA – The trial for the man accused of murdering a two-year–old Regina girl in 2012 began Monday.

Adam Cyr, charged with second degree murder, has pleaded not guilty.

Monday morning, counsel selected a jury. In the afternoon, the nine women and three men chosen heard opening statements.

Both the defendant’s counsel and crown prosecutors agree the little girl died from multiple severe injuries that were not accidental.

The crown’s theory is that the intentional trauma was inflicted on the toddler by her mother’s then boyfriend, Cyr, who was baby-sitting that day while her mother was at work.

The defense proposed another theory: that the girl’s mother associated with violent drug users in her home while her children were there.

Jury members heard the testimonies of two crown witnesses. The paramedic who first arrived on scene told the court the child’s arms were stiff, showing she had been dead awhile before EMS arrived. Then a constable with Regina Police testified he transported the mother – who was crying hysterically – to the police station.

The trial is expected to last two weeks. The girl’s mother is expected to take the stand in the coming days.