Jury selection begins in HIV murder trial
Last Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008 | 8:57 AM ET
CBC News
The jury selection in the trial of an HIV-positive man charged with first-degree murder in the death of two of his sex partners began in Hamilton, Ont., on Monday.
Johnson Aziga, 52, is believed to be the first HIV-positive person in Canada to be charged with murder after allegedly having unprotected sex and passing on the deadly virus that causes AIDS.
Two women he allegedly had unprotected sex with died of AIDS-related complications. One of the Toronto women died in December 2003 and the other died in May 2004.
Ugandan-born Aziga is also accused of 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault, which includes 11 other women he allegedly had sex with and with whom he did not disclose he was HIV positive.
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled one partner cannot give true consent for sexual relations if the other fails to tell partners about an HIV infection.
As a result, the deaths of the two women are considered to have resulted from sexual assaults, calling for first-degree murder charges that carry an automatic life sentence.
The aggravated sexual assault charges carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
Aziga's trial has been delayed many times due to adjournments sought by the defence. Aziga has fired three legal teams leading up to the trial.
Aziga's trial is expected to begin on Oct. 20.
With files from the Canadian PressShare Tools
Top News Headlines
- Everest victim's husband says family not seeking government help
- The husband of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest on Saturday says his family is not seeking government help to cover the cost of bringing his wife's body home. more »
- B.C. premier unhappy with disgraced Mountie's transfer
- B.C. Premier Christy Clark says she is not happy with the RCMP decision to transfer a disgraced Alberta Mountie to the West Coast. more »
- Henrique's OT goal sends Devils into Stanley Cup final
- The New Jersey Devils will vie for a potential fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history after defeating the New York Rangers in six games in the Eastern final, courtesy of rookie Adam Henrique's goal early in overtime. more »
- Employment Insurance review boards to be scrapped
- The federal government is scrapping two review boards used by people appealing decisions made about their employment insurance. more »
Latest Canada News Headlines
- Aylmer triple stabbing leads to first-degree murder charges
- The estranged partner of a young mother who was stabbed to death along with her parents at their home in Aylmer, Que., has been charged with first-degree murder Friday. more »
- B.C. premier unhappy with disgraced Mountie's transfer
- B.C. Premier Christy Clark says she is not happy with the RCMP decision to transfer a disgraced Alberta Mountie to the West Coast. more »
- Forest fires still burning near Timmins, Ont.
- A new forest fire is burning north of Highway 101 near Timmins, Ont., creating a new challenge for firefighters who have been working to contain another fire in the area. more »
- RCMP to close labs in Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina
- The RCMP is closing forensic laboratories in Halifax, Winnipeg and Regina and consolidating them with three others in a move the force says will lead to faster, more efficient service. more »
The National
The Current
- What does it take to get fired at the RCMP? May. 25, 2012 5:02 PM After a senior Mountie was demoted for disgraceful conduct including sex with subordinates, exposing himself and drinking on the job, some former employees wonder what you have to do to get fired.
- Aylmer triple stabbing leads to first-degree murder charges
- Everest victim's husband says family not seeking government help
- B.C. premier unhappy with disgraced Mountie's transfer
- Third B.C. salmon farm quarantined
- What a Greek euro exit could mean for Canada
- RCMP officer charged in fatal crash
- Canada ending 'Buffalo shuffle' for visas, closing consulate
- Reclaiming the dead on Mt. Everest
- Employment Insurance review boards to be scrapped
