MONTREAL – Luka Rocco Magnotta “was” represented by a team of three lawyers but that changed on Wednesday.
Attorney Raphael Feldstein was forced to step down after the crown informed the court he could be in a conflict of interest.
A court order prevents the media from reporting specific details but it appears Feldstein could potentially be called as a witness.
Magnotta’s lead attorney Luc Leclair was also in the spotlight after he complained of dizzy spells and even cried. He appeared to be in better spirits after a short break.
As for Magnotta himself, in the prisoner’s box, he looked alert, wore glasses and seemed to be paying close attention to the case as more police evidence was shown to the court.
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He’s facing a total of five counts – including the first degree murder of Concordia student Lin Jun. He is accused of stabbing the 33 year old to death last May, dismembering him, and sending his body parts across the country.
Police say Magnotta videotaped the crime.
For the first time in court, Magnotta displayed some emotion, during the testimony of police officer Robert Dionne he appeared visibly bothered as he covered his mouth and closed his eyes.
Three Montreal police officers took the stand including crime scene technician Chantal Turmel and detective Antonio Paradiso.
Noticeably absent in the courtroom was Lin Diran – the victim’s father. On Tuesday, he left the courtroom in tears after police evidence was presented to the court but is expected back when the inquiry continues on Thursday.
Initially scheduled to last up to five weeks, the court was told today the preliminary inquiry could be reduced to three weeks and that arguments could be done by early April.
The presiding judge will then decide if this case proceeds to trial.
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