A year and a half after the shooting incident took place, the trial of Gerald Stanley for the second-degree murder of Colten Boushie is about to start in Battleford.
The first day, Jan. 29, was set aside for jury selection and that process was set to begin at 10 a.m. at Alex Dillabough Centre. It has been reported that as many as 750 potential jurors are in the jury pool. Of that, a total of 12 jurors and two alternates are to be selected.
The proceedings were then set to move to Court of Queen’s Bench in Battleford for the rest of the trial. Dates have been booked at the court house through Feb. 15 for the case.
The trial was expected to attract large gatherings outside for at least some portions of the proceedings. On their Facebook page, an organization called the Indigenous Joint Action Coalition has called on Boushie supporters to show up both at the jury selection and throughout the trial.
Stanley, who is out on bail, is represented by defence lawyer Scott Spencer. In a note sent to various media organizations on Friday, Spencer said his client would not be making any statements or granting interviews during the trial.
Spencer also took the opportunity to counter the notion that the trial was about racism in Saskatchewan.
“Despite any online comments or media stories, Gerry’s trial is not a referendum on racism. If jurors feel they have to pick a ‘side,’ then it will be very difficult for there to be a fair trial,” Spencer stated.
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