Jury deliberations to continue Saturday at Goforth murder trial in Regina

Jury deliberations have been ongoing since 2:40 p.m. Friday at the Goforth trial in Regina.

The 12 men and women took a break for supper, and then at 9:45 p.m. asked Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Ellen Gunn for clarification on the “mental element” needed to prove murder.

Directing them to the instructions she had given them earlier in the day, Gunn stated that the jury must be satisfied that the Crown has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused meant to kill, or meant to cause bodily harm, knowing it was so dangerous or so serious as to kill.

Kevin and Tammy Goforth are charged with second degree murder in the death of a four-year-old girl and causing bodily harm to a two-year-old in their care during the summer of 2012.

The defence maintains the Regina couple never meant to harm or kill. Court has heard the girls were malnourished, dehydrated and covered in bruises.

The question before the jury comes down to intent and reasonable doubt.

Gunn indicated to the jury that manslaughter is an option.

The jury of 14 people who have listened to the evidence over the last three weeks of the trial was reduced to 12 before deliberations began.

New’s Talk Radio’s ongoing coverage of the trial.

Goforth Trial Day 1: Tensions run high in courtroom for murder trial of Tammy and Kevin Goforth

Goforth Trial Day 2: Forensic officers testify in Trial of Tammy and Kevin Goforth

Goforth Trial Day 3: Child protection worker, foster moms testify about health of girls before they were in the care of the Goforths

Goforth Trial Day 4: ‘Skinny with bruises’: first responders testify about finding girls at Goforth trial

Goforth Trial Day 5: Goforth murder trial hears doctor describe efforts to save 4-year-old girl

Goforth Trial Day 6: Photos of girls’ wounds shown at Goforth trial

Goforth Trial Day 7: Goforth trial hears girls were taped to wall, locked in bedroom