SAINT-JEROME -- The trial of a former Quebec doctor who is charged with murdering his children has lost a juror.
That means 11 people will now continue to hear the case against Guy Turcotte, who faces two counts of first-degree murder in the 2009 slayings of Olivier, 5, and Anne-Sophie, 3.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Andre Vincent said he exercised his powers under the Criminal Code to free the juror. The reason for the dismissal cannot be made public.
A trial needs a minimum of 10 jurors to proceed.
The case will not sit Thursday and Friday as another juror requires an operation for an injury sustained last weekend and because a trial cannot proceed with an absent juror.
Turcotte has pleaded not guilty to the charges but admitted through his lawyers last week to causing the children's deaths.
