Ten days have been set aside for Marissa Bird's trial at Prince Albert Court of Queen's Bench. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Witness safety concerns raised during opening week of murder trial

Feb 5, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Week one of the Marissa Bird trial at Prince Albert Court of Queen’s Bench has wrapped up.

The 31-year-old is facing a charge of first degree murder in the August, 2017, death of Duane Brett Ledoux. Ledoux’s remains were found inside a home in the 800 block of 17th St. W.

Witnesses on the stand this week have said Ledoux went to the house voluntarily to receive a “minute” – a gang related term for a beating someone may receive as a form of punishment, but does not involve murder.

While it’s not clear specifically what Ledoux may have done to receive the minute, witnesses have testified he may have kissed a senior gang member’s girlfriend.

Due to an interim publication ban that was issued Wednesday, the names of any non-police witnesses cannot be named. The measure was done as an added means of protection due to the gang related nature of the case and concerns about intimidation or reprisal.

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Brett Ledoux would have been 25 on the day of his death. (Facebook)

At least two witnesses have expressed reluctance about testifying, for fear of their own well being. During a video statement played for the court Friday, one witness was asked by a police investigator whether their loyalties lied with Ledoux and helping police catch the people responsible, or with the gang, and they replied “that’s a hard question.”

When cross-examined by Defence lawyer Patrick McDougall the witness claimed they were promised if they provided a statement to police with names, they would not have to testify in court. When asked if they wanted to be there in court, the witness replied “no.” When McDougall noted the discrepencies in the two witness statements provided to police, and specifically whether they were in the house when the murder took place or not, the witness explained they initially lied out of fear.

A photo taken of the house where Ledoux’s remains were found. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

The publication ban will be reviewed in court Monday afternoon, after the trial’s resumption. Ten days have been set aside for Bird’s trial, and the Crown has indicated at least three police officers will be called to the stand.

Regardless of when the testimony wraps, Madame Justice Heather MacMillan-Brown has indicated a decision won’t come until June.

The three co-accused all entered guilty pleas at separate hearings last year.

Lenny Daniels received an eight year sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Boden Umpherville and William Chaboyer received three year sentences for their respective roles. The two men pleaded guilty to charges of assault, and participation in a criminal organization.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell