Winnipeg’s police chief said he’s disappointed in the verdict reached last month in the trial of Raymond Cormier.
On Feb. 22 an 11 person jury found Cormier not-guilty of second-degree murder in the 2014 killing of Tina Fontaine.
“I can say that I’m disappointed with the verdict and frankly hoped for a better outcome,” Chief Danny Smyth told the police board Friday.
“Frankly I wish we could have brought additional or more compelling evidence. Frankly we did our best on this one,” Chief Smyth said.
READ: Raymond Cormier found not guilty in death of Tina Fontaine
The jury heard from nearly 50 witnesses. Cormier never took the stand and his defence team did not call any witnesses.
The Crown presented no physical or forensic evidence linking Cormier to the crime.
Friday’s comments mark the first time the chief has spoken publicly about the verdict.
He thanked the Crown for taking Cormier to trial.
“If not anything else this trial provided transparency. The community was able to learn about the investigation. They were able to see the evidence and they were able to learn about the circumstances leading up to Tina’s death,” Chief Smyth said.
READ: How the tragic death of Tina Fontaine helped spark the MMIW inquiry
The Crown still hasn’t decided whether it will appeal the verdict.
- A ‘zombie’ virus is raging among raccoons. What to know
- N.S. couple felt they won ‘doctor lottery’ after years on wait-list. Now they’re back on it
- ‘Summer of discontent’ coming over public service in-office order: unions
- Family says infant killed in 401 crash leaves a ‘void that can never be filled’
Comments