CALGARY – A Calgary father found guilty of abusing and killing his 6-year-old daughter Meika Jordan is appealing his conviction.
In June, a judge found Spencer Jordan and stepmother Marie Magoon guilty of second-degree murder. They were originally charged with first-degree murder.
Weeks after the conviction, the Crown filed an appeal, asking the court to substitute a conviction of first-degree murder for the second-degree conviction.
Now, Spencer Jordan has filed an appeal of his own.
Global News has obtained court documents showing Spencer Jordan’s lawyer, Mitch Stephensen, filed a notice of appeal July 24.
READ MORE: Crown appeals second-degree murder conviction in Meika Jordan case
The documents filed with the Alberta Court of Appeal cite five grounds of appeal claiming the trial judge erred by:
- Misapprehending the evidence
- Considering evidence that was only admissible against the co-accused…in convicting the appellant
- Finding the appellant caused the death of the deceased
- Finding that the appellant was a party to the actions of the co-accused
- Other grounds the appellant will submit and argue
The appeal asks the appeal court to either overturn Jordan’s conviction for second-degree murder and acquit him, or find him guilty on a lesser charge of manslaughter. As a third option, the appeal asks the court to order a new trial before a judge and jury.
In the meantime, sentencing will proceed in September. The couple will receive an automatic life sentence, but parole eligibility will be argued. The Crown has said they will push for a high parole ineligibility, likely in the 20-year range.
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News of the appeal took Meika’s mother and stepfather Kyla and Brian Woodhouse by surprise.
“It’s shocking,” said Kyla. “It’s not something we were expecting, but at the same time nothing with these two surprises us anymore.”
Kyla says frustration doesn’t begin to explain what they are feeling.
“We are wishing they would just let it be done.”
Brian says his biggest worry is it’s going to open up another lengthy trial.
“I can’t put my family through that again,” he said.
READ MORE: ‘Mr. Big’ confessions found admissible in Meika Jordan trial
Kyla says the thought of a new trial is a nightmare.
“That would be… I can’t even describe it… I couldn’t even image going through that again,” she said. “Having again to open that door and rehash every bit of evidence, to bring that all up again would just be devastating.”
“It’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster navigating what’s happening in the justice system with the Crown pushing for the upgraded conviction of first-degree murder, while Jordan attempts to be acquitted,” added Brian.
Still Brian and Kyla are keeping their faith in police and the Crown prosecutors on the case.
Jordan and Magoon are scheduled to be sentenced September 18.
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