Paris Jayanne LaRoche, 28, is on trial in BC Supreme Court in Vancouver for the murder of Sydney Mantee.
The trial of a Nanaimo woman charged with first-degree murder and dismemberment concluded this week after prosecutors said new information had come to light.
Paris Jayanne LaRoche, 28, is on trial in BC Supreme Court in Vancouver, charged with the murder of her ex-girlfriend Sidney Joseph Mantee. On Wednesday, February 14, Crown Counsel Nick Barber requested an adjournment as new witnesses appeared in court.
Barber told Judge Robin Baird that he was contacted by Nanaimo RCMP on Tuesday, Feb. 13, to say police were interviewing witnesses with information about LaRoche’s animal abuse. Barber said the information could be relevant and plans to call that person to the stand to refute the defense’s claims. However, more information is required.
Crown co-counsel Sabrina Avery and Mr. Barber concluded the case last week. Defense attorneys Glenn Orris and Robin Young began arguments this week. Defense witnesses included Amy Fitzgerald, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Environmental Institute, and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Johan Brink.
The trial begins on January 22nd, with a resumption date to be determined on Wednesday, February 21st.
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