Closing arguments wrap up in teen murder trial
19-year-old on trial for 2nd-degree murder in stabbing death of Josh Hunt
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 | 4:39 PM MT
CBC News
A 19-year-old Edmonton man charged with second-degree murder in the slaying of Josh Hunt will learn his fate on Dec. 18th.
Hunt, 16, was stabbed in the heart at a house party in October 2006.
The accused, who was 17 at the time, cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Closing arguments in the trial wrapped up Wednesday in Edmonton's Court of Queen's Bench.
The court has heard evidence that Hunt's stabbing was part of a house party that had gone completely out of control, and that the accused had been punched several times in the head by Hunt.
The court also heard a frantic 911 call from the accused where he told the operator that someone was trying to kill him.
Defence lawyer Peter Royal said his client genuinely feared for his life and when Hunt was stabbed it was either an accident or in self-defence.
But Crown prosecutor Christian Lim argued the stabbing was not an accident or self-defence.
He maintained it was the action of an intoxicated, out-of-control teenager who was motivated by anger or vengeance.
Justice Terry Clackson will now take a week to consider his verdict.
With files from Janice JohnstonShare Tools
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