SASKATOON – A lack of solid and secure evidence should result in an acquittal for a man charged in a long-running Saskatoon murder case, according to his defence lawyer, who argued the point in Saskatoon court Tuesday. Kennith Tingle, Long Nam Luu and Jonathan Dombowsky are all charged in connection with the 2004 murder of alleged drug dealer Isho Hana on Preston Avenue.
Tingle is accused of helping Neil Yakimchuk, the alleged shooter, with carrying out a hit on Hana.
In closing arguments Tuesday, Tingle’s defence lawyer Markham Silver argued his client can only be placed at the murder scene by Yakimchuk, who told undercover officers about Tingle’s involvement during a so-called “Mr. Big” sting. He argued that Yakimchuk has made inconsistent statements regarding the killing and referenced prison letters sent to Tingle, where Yakimchuk claims he lied to the sting officers.
Defence lawyers for both Luu and Dombowsky presented their final arguments Monday. Morris Bodnar, Luu’s attorney, also called Yakimchuk’s credibility into question, arguing that his statements were not trustworthy.
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On Tuesday, Silver highlighted a witness statement, which claimed two men were seen chasing Hana before the shooting, however argued that Tingle was not identified in the account. Other statements, he argued, pointed to only one man chasing Hana.
The Crown is expected to present their final arguments Wednesday. A verdict isn’t expected until summer.
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