Raymond Cormier has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine.
The verdict was read to the full courtroom late Thursday afternoon, February 22, 2018.
Fontaine’s body was pulled from the Red River on August 14, 2014. She had been wrapped in a duvet which was weighted down with rocks.
The trial began just over three weeks ago and in that time the crown did not present any physical evidence or a cause of death. The Crown’s case was based on circumstantial evidence including secret recordings of Cormier.
The defence team did not call any witnesses and Cormier did not appear on the stand.
The jury began deliberations Wednesday afternoon.
Within minutes of the decision, people took to social media including Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman who said, “Winnipeggers and Canadians may have differing views on today’s outcome in this case. I think it is important, however, to be mindful that for many people today s a day marked by grief, anger, and broken hearts.” (full statement below)
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said “Our community has been saddened, outraged and devastated as we followed this trial and learned about young Tina’s life. With this decision, justice is denied yet again and a family and our community mourns again.” (Full statement below)
Carolyn Bennett, Minister Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs said after the verdict on social media “My thoughts are with Tina Fontaine’s family. Tina’s is a tragic story that demonstrates the failures of all the systems for Indigenous children and youth on every level. We need to do better – we need to fix this.”
Statement from Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman
Statement from Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
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