"Where's there's a will ....." - there's a relative!

Neutral sketch of assused Kelly Clarke selected not to prejudice proceedings

Good Day Readers:

Here is yesterday's media coverage in the double murder trial of Kelly Clarke accused of killing Joel and Magdalena Labossiere to which we'll add our two cents.

Winnipeg Sun

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/11/17/murder-victim-fighting-over-family-estate-at-time-of-death

Winnipeg Free Press

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Clarke-trial-delves-into-shotgun-repairs-134086268.html

CBC Manitoba

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2011/11/17/manitoba-clarke-murder-trial-labossiere.html

Daniel Labossiere (Joel Labossiere's cousin) was able to deflect several of defence lawyer Greg Brodsky's questions about the disputed Will by stating the matter was in the hands of his attorney and, therefore, he did not know the answer. The name of said lawyer was not revealed in court.

Chatter in the corridors of the Law Courts is the trial of Jerome Labossiere and two others (so far unnamed) for the 2005 slayings of parents Fernand and Rita Labossiere, as well as, son Remi will take place in January of 2012. We're assuming it will be in Queen's Bench before a jury but we have no independent, third-party verification. We'll attempt to confirm the information although, and this is speculation, the file may have been removed from public access not to risk a mistrial. Another possibility is the Justice who will hear the case may have removed it from circulation (as usually happens) to prepare for the upcoming trial.

A good referee in sports, a reporter or a judge never becomes the story. You will notice the media to date has said very little if anything about Justice Richard T. Saull who is presiding. He has been most impressive. What has been stood out is the respect he shows the jury, counsel and public gallery. Justice Saull has made the extra effort to ensure the jury feels comfortable and gone to extra lengths confirming they understand their responsibilities. At least a couple times yesterday he gently reminded witnesses to stand no farther away from the desk microphone than a foot so everyone could hear while making a point of always thanking them after testimony had been completed. In short, a very nice courtroom touch.

Justice Saull's antecedents. Richard A. Saull as a Crown Prosecutor

Mr. Justice Saull received a Bachelor of Arts (1974) and Bachelor of Law (1978) from the University of Manitoba. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1979. With his extensive experience as a Crown prosecutor, Mr. Justice Saull is highly regarded as a criminal law expert. Immediately prior to his appointment, he had been general counsel with the Manitoba Department of Justice since 1992, Senior Crown Counsel (1989­–1992) and held various roles as Crown prosecutor for the Attorney General of Manitoba since 1979.

He was active in many professional organizations, including the Faculty of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada National Criminal Law Program, the Sopinka Cup Organizing Committee and the Law Society Advocacy Skills Workshop. He is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer and has authored several publications on criminal law matters.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk