Jury selection is underway in Barrie this week for the first-degree murder trial of a Collingwood man.
Sitting in the prisoner's box wearing a dark grey jacket and a pale yellow shirt, Paul Faria quietly looked on as members of the public were called and selected to form his jury on Wednesday.
It’s a jury that will wrestle with evidence and testimony and ultimately determine if Faria should be found guilty of first-degree murder.
On New Year’s Day 2013, Victoria Doyle’s body was found inside her Collingwood home. Forensic investigators combed the scene – police say she was murdered. A few days later, Faria, who dated Doyle, was arrested and charged.
It has taken some time for the matter to make its way through the courts. Faria's lawyer says his client is ready to get the trial started.
“He's looking forward to his day in trial… looking forward to his day in court. He’s waited a long time for this day and we look forward to an acquittal with a great deal of confidence,” says defence lawyer Chris Hanson.
Many people involved in the initial investigation are expected to take the stand.
“You can look forward to seeing the police that actually gathered the evidence, the firefighters and ambulance people who initially attended. Family members and children of the deceased. I think the forensics is going to be very important in this case,” says Hanson.
This trial is expected to be a long one. More than 30 people are on the witness list and jury members have been told it could last upwards of two months.
Opening statements from the Crown are scheduled for Friday.
