A well-known St. John's defence lawyer says it was wrong for Shannon Murrin's name to come out during the Joey Oliver manslaughter case.

Lawyer Averill Baker says Murrin isn't accused of anything, and his name shouldn't have been mentioned in court.

Murrin's name is all over the agreed statement of facts in Oliver's case, with Oliver claiming it was Murrin who shot Dale Worthman and Kimberly Lockyer in 1993. Police have not linked Murrin to the case.

Baker says she's shocked Murrin's name was used.

"Actions like this cause problems. It makes it difficult to get a fair trial, for example, if you are subsequently charged. It destroys your reputation if you are never charged, " Baker said.

Murrin's name came up during a police interrogation of Oliver two years ago.

Baker says that's fine, but it's no reason for Murrin to be named in court all week if the Crown and police say they have no suspect.