Altercation sparks security concerns at Adam Cyr murder trial

REGINA – Security concerns have been raised at the Adam Cyr second degree murder trial following an altercation between a Crown witness and the accused.

Cyr is charged with the murder of two-year-old Natalia Shingoose back in June of 2012.

The Ministry of Justice is releasing few details due to internal safety practices but confirmed Friday an incident did take place between Cyr and the witness, Matthew Bennett, while they were being held in the same room.

Bob Hughes with the Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism (SCAR) also sounded the alarm on what he describes as a lack of sheriffs and door screening at the Court of Queen’s Bench since the trial started.

“If we’re ever going to use it, this is the trial that we should,” Hughes said.  “If something was to go down in the courtroom without security screening here, the security personnel no matter how good they do their job would only be able to react after a serious incident.”

In response, the ministry said security needs are continually monitored to determine resources used.

There was a heavy security presence at the courthouse Friday morning as the mother of the murder two year old took the stand for the second day.

The defense began with a question that set the mood for the remainder of the cross-examination, asking Shingoose’s mother, Amanda Trevor, if she framed the accused.

Trevor was taken aback but vigorously denied the accusation.

The defense spent much of the morning trying to poke holes in Trevor’s testimony, citing her interrogation video with police, suggesting she’s an emotional con artist and covering for Bennett, whom the defense accused of the killing earlier in the week.

The crown is arguing Cyr, 34, beat the girl to death while babysitting.

Court wrapped up early Friday because of an illness on the defense team and will resume for the trial’s third week on Monday.