A Winnipeg jury spent its third day behind closed doors Friday, mulling the fate of Mark Edward Grant.
Grant is charged with first degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Candace Derksen in 1984 – a case that relied on decade’s old DNA evidence.
Among those waiting for a verdict is the parents of Candace Derksen, who have made the courthouse into a second home, spending ever day there since the five week trial began.
Derksen’s parents say they are prepared to wait as long as it takes to learn the fate of Grant.
Jurors have been deliberating since Wednesday night. So far, there have been no questions and the fact that there was still no verdict heading into a long-weekend is a clear indication that this is not an open and shut case.
“Everyone is a little surprised at how long it’s taking, so we have no idea what’s going on,” said Candace’s mom, Wilma Derksen. “I think the only thing that would disappoint us is a hung jury. I think that would be a disappointment to everyone probably. That would somehow leave things unfinished and how do we go forward from there?”
Wilma said her family has been waiting 26 years for closure and are nervous about the possibility of a not guilty verdict or a hung jury.
Jurors have been mulling over conflicting evidence over DNA. The Crown argues hair samples collected at the murder scene are connected to Grant but the defence maintains those tests were mishandled and misdiagnosed by police.
Candace Derksen went missing in November 1984. Her frozen body was found weeks later in a brickyard shed.
The jury will remain sequestered until a verdict is reached.
If Grant is found guilty, he will face life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
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