Richard Henry Bain’s murder trial, marked by delays for nearly four years, began on Monday with jury selection.
About 400 potential jurors have been summoned and could serve for a trial that is expected to last six to eight weeks. The judge told potential jurors they will be paid $105 per day.
The trial will begin once 14 jurors have been selected. Five women and two men were sworn in as jurors on Monday.
The prosecution plans to call roughly 50 witnesses.
Bain was charged with murder for a shooting that took place the night of Quebec’s 2012 election.
He was arrested for allegedly killing lighting technician Denis Blanchette outside of the Metropolis nightclub in September 2012 as then-Parti Quebecois leader Pauline Marois was delivering her election speech.
He also faces two counts of attempted murder for allegedly shooting Dave Courage, and several weapons-related charges.
The case has been marred by numerous delays including Bain’s cash flow problems and was most recently delayed when Bain had to have minor surgery.
Slow start
Judge Guy Cournoyer was apparently offended that about 100 of the people summoned for jury duty failed to show up, and he warned the public that those who are summoned for jury duty and fail to appear may face hefty fines.
Lots of people called for jury duty in Richard Bain case didn't show up. Judge issued warning they could be prosecuted.
— Stephane Giroux (@SGirouxCTV) June 6, 2016
First step now: people with valid excuses wishing to be excused from serving on jury duty make their case in front of judge. #BainTrial
— Stephane Giroux (@SGirouxCTV) June 6, 2016
Cournoyer then listened as Bain, once again, formally entered a plea of "not guilty" to the six charges he is facing.
