Windsor, Ont., jury convicts pair in double murder
Deliberations began Friday in nearly 3-month trial
CBC News
Posted: Feb 18, 2012 10:51 PM ET
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2012 12:30 PM ET
A jury in Windsor, Ont., has found two men guilty on two counts each of second-degree murder.
Donald Dodd and Timothy Carter were accused of killing Vaios Koukousoulas, 63, and Peter Kambas, 53, in June of 2008 in a garage. The bodies were found in a field in Harrow, 30 kilometres south of Windsor, in December of that year.
There was a noisy outburst in the courtroom when the verdict was read out, CBC's Pat Jeflyn reported Saturday night. Some friends and family of Carter were asked to leave.
Dodd, 43, and Carter, 35, were each initially charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Koukousoulas and one count of second-degree murder in the death of Kambas.
On Wednesday, Justice Renee Pomerance ruled that the two men would instead each face two counts of second-degree murder.
The jury began its deliberations Friday afternoon after hearing from almost 70 witnesses over the course of the nearly three-month trial. The defence presented no evidence.
Dodd's lawyer, Gord Cudmore, said he does not regret the decision to not put his client on the stand.
"I respect the jury's opinion, that's what they found, but our argument was that he wasn't there," Cudmore said. "We were surprised by the verdict. Beyond that, there's not really much I can say.
"Obviously our client is disappointed and we'll just look to see where we go from here."
Upon leaving the courtroom Saturday, Dodd shouted "I had an alibi!"
Carter's lawyer, Colin Adams, said it's "highly likely" both his client and Dodd will appeal.
Most jurors recommend 25 years for parole
On Friday, the judge told the jury it could find Carter and Dodd guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter, or find them not guilty.
"I think this jury was a smart, hardworking jury," said crown attorney Jennifer Holmes. "Evidence in ... my view was always strong and I think this jury paid very close attention. They were always listening. They were very attentive and I think they just used their intelligence and collective common sense in coming to this conclusion which we believe was the proper conclusion."
The judge polled the jurors for their thoughts on sentencing, after they delivered their verdict. Ten recommended 25 years before parole, one suggested 20 years and one had no recommendation.
The judge will take their recommendations into account before sentencing.
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