Defence laywers Alan Gold and Michael Lacy leave the Saint John Law Courts building on May 9, 2019. (Kevin Worrell/CHSJ News)
Closing arguments have wrapped up at the second-degree murder retrial for Dennis Oland.
Defence lawyer Alan Gold spent about an hour going through his oral submission Thursday morning.
The underlying theme appeared to be the lack of evidence against his client for allegedly killing his father, Richard, as the Crown has suggested.
Gold outlined evidence which he said points to Dennis’ innocence:
- Thumping noises heard from Printing Plus after Dennis had already left;
- The pattern of those noises which the defence said was the sound of Richard being murdered;
- Alcohol in Richard’s urine which suggested he stepped out for a drink; and
- A footprint by his bloody head which did not match any of Dennis’ footwear.
Gold said these are pieces which do not fit the Crown’s puzzle, so he told the judge, “If the pieces don’t fit, you must acquit.”
Crown says it did not have tunnel vision or confirmation bias. He says all evidence is sworn and it is up to Mr.Justice to determine which is relevant.
— Kevin Worrell (@kevinhworrell) May 9, 2019
During the afternoon session, Crown prosecutor P.J. Veniot said they have proved Dennis killed his father.
Veniot suggested Dennis was having the worst finances of his life and was the last person to known person to see his father alive.
He said Richard never responded to any of the texts or calls from his mistress and his computers were never used after Dennis had visited.
Veniot said Richard’s cellphone was missing but it pinged off a tower in Rothesay near the Renforth Wharf, where Dennis stopped after visiting his father.
Justice Terrence Morrison plans to deliver a verdict on July 19.
