SASKATOON – The trial of three men accused in the killing of a known drug trafficker in 2004 resumed in Saskatoon Wednesday, with a former drug dealer, turned police informant, taking the stand. Jonathan Dombowsky, Kennith Tingle and Long Nam Luu have been on trial, facing first-degree murder charges, for roughly a year.
A fourth man, Neil Yakimchuk, was convicted of the murder in 2014 and is serving a life sentence after admitting to killing Hana to an undercover officer in a “Mr. Big” sting operation.
The trial of the three men was held up due to issues over statements Yakimchuk made to the undercover police officer in the sting. The murder case had been cold until 2012, when he admitted to killing Hana and implicated the other three men in the process.
Judge Richard Danyluik determined the statements were admissible in their trial.
READ MORE: ‘Mr. Big’ sting statements admissible in Saskatoon murder trial
On Wednesday, Noel Harder, a police informant who played a role in the recent ‘Project Forseti’ drug busts, took the stand. Harder ran a drug ring around the time Hana was killed and claims he knew Dombowsky and Luu.
During proceedings, Harder said he learned from Dombowsky that a hit was placed on Hana. He added that Luu was known to have issues with Hana as well.
Defence lawyers attacked Harder’s credibility during cross-examination Wednesday. They focused on statements he had given to police in the past and pointed out that he had claimed to be a good salesman in the past.
All parties will be back in court Thursday.
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