EDMONTON – For the third time, Travis Vader delayed court proceedings and showed up late for the murder trial. This time he told court he slept in.
Just before 11 a.m., the accused said he was sorry for being late.
“I’m sorry your honour,” Vader said.
He said was being evicted from a motel.
“The reason is, from my understanding from the owners, is the interaction with the surveillance people and major crimes behavioural sciences branch RCMP calling,” Vader explained.
Vader said he was packing up his room and his alarm didn’t go off.
“I’m in the process of finding a place to stay, getting approval from bail supervisor,” Vader said.
“This has happened a number of times,” Justice Denny Thomas said. “You’ve always had an explanation but I’m asking you don’t let it happen again.
“You can see the number of people who’ve been inconvenienced by this, and the affect it has on the pace of the trial.
“I’m imploring you not to let that happen again.”
On Wednesday, it’s expected court will hear DNA evidence.
READ MORE: ‘I plead not guilty to that charge’: Travis Vader at start of McCann murder trial
Vader, 44, pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann from St. Albert.
The McCanns, who were in their late 70s, were last seen fuelling up their motorhome in their hometown near Edmonton on July 3, 2010. The motorhome was found on fire about 200 kilometres west of the city two days later. Their bodies have never been found.
READ MORE: Travis Vader trial starts 2 hours late; accused apologizes for vehicle problems
On March 29, the trial started two hours late. Vader apologized for holding up the proceedings and blamed the delay on “multiple vehicle problems.”
Justice Thomas demanded an explanation from Vader.
“This is a pretty serious delay we’re causing,” he told Vader.
“I am sorry for being late,” Vader replied.
Vader said he had three vehicle break downs. The first issue was a spark plug, the second was a brake line in a different vehicle. Then, while driving on his way to court in a 1988 Ford “farm truck,” he said he had a flat tire and had to stop to change it.
READ MORE: Day 4 of Travis Vader trial delayed because accused’s car broke down
On March 14, the trial was also delayed because Vader’s vehicle broke down.
A few days later, Vader was also late arriving at court because of problems with his ankle-tracking device.
The double murder trial was scheduled for five to six weeks but is behind schedule.
More to come…
With files from Kendra Slugoski, Global News
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