Two jurors excused at murder, dismemberment trial

There has been a bit of a snag in the trial for three men accused of murdering and dismembering Regina’s Reno Lee.

Fourteen jurors were selected previously in the week, but on Wednesday morning Justice Catherine Dawson excused two jurors just as the evidence portion of the proceedings was scheduled to begin.

After trying to determine whether the trial should proceed with 12 jurors or find two new jurors to replace those who were excused, Dawson decided on the latter. Court was adjourned until Thursday morning when the replacements will be selected.

Both the crown and defence suggested after the jury was chosen that evidence and witnesses should begin Monday morning, which Dawson agreed with.

Daniel Theodore, Bronson Gordon and Andrew Bellegarde stand charged with first-degree murder along with charges related to dismembering and decapitating a body.

All three men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police believe Lee was murdered in Regina in April 2015. His body was later found north of Balcarres.