Ont. man accused of murder argues to be released from custody
Warning: Some readers may find the details in this article disturbing.
The Woodbridge, Ont. man accused of murdering a father of four who was found dismembered was in bail court Friday, hoping to be released from custody after spending 60 days behind bars.
Tony Lucia sat in the prisoner's box, appearing tired, with his hands cuffed and his head down during the hearing.
His family and friends packed into the Orangeville courtroom in support of the 62-year-old man while his renowned defence lawyers, Cosmo Galluzzo, Marco Sciarra, and Michael Lacy, argued to have him released.
Lucia was arrested in September and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Morris Conte's death 12 years ago.
Conte, who was 45 at the time of his death, disappeared in May 2010.
The Bolton man's family told police he was going to meet a friend for coffee. They never saw him alive again.
That same month, police said Conte's body parts were found scattered across several locations in Oro-Medonte and Muskoka.
At the time of the gruesome discovery, police noted his remains were left in locations where they would be easily found. Investigators said his murder and what was done with his body may have been a message or warning to others.
Morris Conte is pictured in this undated photo. (Supplied)
Lucia's son, Sam, was charged in 2011 with accessory after death and committing an indignity to a human body. The charges were later withdrawn.
The OPP offers a $50,000 reward for information while the Conte family continues to seek answers and justice.
A publication ban protects information presented at the bail hearing.
The hearing is scheduled to continue on Monday with more submissions, though it's unclear when Justice Leonard Ricchetti will make his decision.
The allegations against Lucia have not been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.