Final arguments heard at Shawntez Downey murder trial

Final arguments were made at Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Wednesday in the second-degree murder trial of Shawntez Downey, who is accused of killing 26-year-old Tylor McInnis.

McInnis’ body was found in the trunk of a stolen car at a North Preston cemetery in August 2016. Downey was initially charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting, but the charge has since been reduced.

READ MORE: Tylor McInnis death: 3 charged with 1st-degree murder

It’s alleged that McInnis went to North Preston on Aug. 22, 2016, to make an exchange with Downey, trading drugs for a gun. But the Crown argues that the dubious deal went south when Downey double-crossed him, as evidenced by testimony from star witness Ron Sock, who was present for many of the night’s events.

A bullet casing, bleach and a shoe were recovered from the scene. The Crown says McInnis’ body smelled of bleach on recovery and that the evidence supports Sock’s overall version of events.

But Sock cut a deal in exchange for his testimony, which makes him a witness with a motive, according to the defence.

WATCH: Tylor McInnis killing — RCMP not saying if death linked to other homicides

1:52 Tylor McInnis killing: RCMP not saying if death linked to other homicides

Downey’s lawyer, Eugene Tan, told the 14-member jury that Sock’s word can’t be relied on for a conviction, as he was a self-proclaimed alcoholic with a criminal record and there are holes in his memory of the events.

Shell casings discovered in the car where McInnis was found don’t match the location Sock described, nor does the wound sustained by another man match Sock’s recounting of the events.

READ MORE: Tylor McInnis homicide investigation leads to 5 arrests — RCMP

Downey’s younger brother, Daniel Downey, has also been charged as an accomplice in connection with McInnis’ murder. Both he and his brother face additional charges of kidnapping and unlawful confinement for their treatment of another man who was wounded at the scene.

Daniel’s trial is scheduled to continue throughout the week.