Eric Talbot has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in the 2016 stabbing death of Francesco Molinaro in Wasaga Beach.
Molinaro, 18, was fatally stabbed during a three-on-one street fight on May 21, 2016.
After the jury read the verdict, the judge had this to say to Talbot, “You are being given a second chance, which Molinaro will never have. I hope you make good use of it.”
Talbot was one of three men accused in the murder two years ago. Shortly after the verdict was read Talbot walked out of the courthouse a free man.
The 22-year-old’s defence lawyer says he will be spending some time with his family in the coming days.
“We’re very relieved,” said attorney Mary Cremer. “And he’s just looking forward to getting his life back on track.”
The Crown argued Talbot knew his friend carried a knife to the fight and that he helped by holding Molinaro’s arms during the stabbing.
The jury disagreed.
For Molinaro’s parents, it was a tough pill to swallow.
“Disgusting. The justice system really sucks,” said an angry Maria Molinaro.
“We’re going to be living a life sentence,” said the victim’s father, Ernie Molinaro. “They’re gonna eventually get out of jail and go ahead, have a family, work, and do whatever. My son doesn’t get that chance.”
Yesterday Jonathan Landsberg was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years, and in July Austin Zambrano-Peterson received a five-year sentence for manslaughter.
“There’s never going to be closure,” said the victim’s father. “My son’s not here. I don’t get to see him be a father. I don’t get to see him grow up with his brothers. I don’t get to see what kind of man he turns out to be.”
