Text messages become critical evidence at Calnen murder trial

HALIFAX – For the second day in a row, Wade Weeks was the star witness at Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

The crown introduced hundreds of text messages between Weeks and Reita Jordan as part of their case. One message sent to weeks from Reita Jordan’s phone claims Paul Trevor Calnen, charged with her murder, had “put hands on her.”

“The text messages are important because it places their relationship into a context. We see that they were having problems and of course that can go to a motive for somebody killing someone,” said Rick Woodburn, Crown attorney.

Despite the questionable text, Calnen’s lawyer, Peter Planetta says the messages didn’t hurt his client.

“I don’t think it did any damage per se, we knew what was there before we came in. Text messages are hear say which can only be used for certain purposes so I don’t think it did any damage no,” Planetta said.

On cross examination, the defence said Weeks was in love with Jordan and that she was using him, mainly for drugs. They also tried to discredit Weeks’ testimony, and his fashion choices.

“I thought it was interesting that he chose to come to court wearing a sweater in support of the Hells Angels,” Planetta told Global News.

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The court also heard from Krista Andrews, Reita Jordan’s best friend. She said Calnen never reported Reita missing and didn’t seem concerned about her whereabouts.

Paul Moulton was the last witness to take the stand. He was at the home Calnen and Jordan shared on the day it’s alleged she was murdered.

“It’s interesting when the average person looks at a trial and they see the little pieces, each piece has an important part for us and that’s why we put them up there, you don’t see the big picture until the very end,” said Woodburn.

On Thursday, it’s expected the jury will see a videotaped statement Calnen gave to police following his girlfriend’s disappearance.