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Luka Magnotta murder trial begins in Montreal Luka Magnotta murder trial begins in Montreal
(about 5 hours later)
The trial of a Canadian man accused of killing his lover and sending parts of his body in the post to political figures has begun in Montreal.The trial of a Canadian man accused of killing his lover and sending parts of his body in the post to political figures has begun in Montreal.
Luka Magnotta, 32, has pleaded not guilty to five charges related to the 2012 death of Jun Lin, a Chinese university student, including murder.Luka Magnotta, 32, has pleaded not guilty to five charges related to the 2012 death of Jun Lin, a Chinese university student, including murder.
He faces a life prison sentence if convicted on all charges.He faces a life prison sentence if convicted on all charges.
The trial start was delayed amid a crowded court calendar and difficulty selecting jurors.The trial start was delayed amid a crowded court calendar and difficulty selecting jurors.
Nearly 1,600 people were interviewed to fill a 14-person bilingual jury that includes two alternates.Nearly 1,600 people were interviewed to fill a 14-person bilingual jury that includes two alternates.
Mr Magnotta's lawyer, Luc Leclair, said he had sought jurors who were open-minded and willing to listen to the case, broadcaster CTV reported.Mr Magnotta's lawyer, Luc Leclair, said he had sought jurors who were open-minded and willing to listen to the case, broadcaster CTV reported.
"He's been waiting a long time," Mr Leclair said. "There was a time that we never thought this day would come.""He's been waiting a long time," Mr Leclair said. "There was a time that we never thought this day would come."
Canadian court rules bar the publication of evidence presented at the trial. Prospective jurors were asked during the panel selection whether they would be able to handle graphic and disturbing evidence. Prospective jurors were asked during the panel selection whether they would be able to handle graphic and disturbing evidence.
Police began their investigation after finding a headless torso near Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat in late May 2012, the BBC has previously reported. Police began their investigation after finding a headless torso near Mr Magnotta's Montreal flat in late May 2012.
Soon after, limbs were found in the post sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office and to the Liberal Party's office.Soon after, limbs were found in the post sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office and to the Liberal Party's office.
Lin's body parts were also later revealed to have been mailed to two British Columbia schools. His head was found in a Montreal park.Lin's body parts were also later revealed to have been mailed to two British Columbia schools. His head was found in a Montreal park.
Investigators also found a video posted online thought to show Lin's murder.Investigators also found a video posted online thought to show Lin's murder.
Mr Magnotta fled to Europe, prompting an international manhunt that ended when he was arrested in an internet cafe in Berlin.Mr Magnotta fled to Europe, prompting an international manhunt that ended when he was arrested in an internet cafe in Berlin.
He is charged with first-degree murder, committing an indignity to a body, publishing obscene material, mailing such material, and criminally harassing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of parliament.He is charged with first-degree murder, committing an indignity to a body, publishing obscene material, mailing such material, and criminally harassing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of parliament.
The prosecution may ask the jury to find Mr Magnotta guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter if they cannot prove Mr Magnotta intentionally killed Mr Lin and planned the murder in advance. The prosecution may ask the jury to find Mr Magnotta guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter if they cannot prove Mr Magnotta intentionally killed Lin and planned the murder in advance.
The trial is expected to last four to six weeks. About 60 witnesses are expected to be called.The trial is expected to last four to six weeks. About 60 witnesses are expected to be called.
Lin, who was enrolled as a computer science and engineering student at Concordia University in Montreal, was from the city of Wuhan in China.Lin, who was enrolled as a computer science and engineering student at Concordia University in Montreal, was from the city of Wuhan in China.
His father, Diran Lin, will attend the trial.His father, Diran Lin, will attend the trial.