After weeks of testimony and evidence, the jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of killing an innocent teenager during a gang shooting in British Columbia.
The accused, whose name has been withheld due to a publication ban, is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the shooting that took place in Surrey in 2018.
During the trial, the court heard that the accused was a member of the Brothers Keepers gang and was targeting a rival gang member when he opened fire on a vehicle, killing 18-year-old innocent bystander, Jason Nguyen.
The prosecution argued that the accused acted with intent and premeditation, while the defense maintained that he was not the shooter and was simply present at the scene.
The jury was presented with surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and forensic evidence to aid in their decision-making process.
The Crown prosecutor urged the jury to consider the evidence carefully and to hold the accused accountable for his actions, stating that “the evidence is overwhelming and points to the accused as the shooter.”
Meanwhile, the defense argued that there was no direct evidence linking the accused to the shooting and that the prosecution’s case was based on circumstantial evidence.
The judge reminded the jury to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court and to set aside any biases or preconceived notions.
The trial has garnered significant attention, as it sheds light on the ongoing issue of gang violence in British Columbia and the devastating impact it has on innocent lives.
The jury will continue their deliberations and must reach a unanimous decision in order to deliver a verdict. The accused faces life in prison if found guilty of first-degree murder.
The court has not yet announced when the verdict will be delivered, but the victim’s family and the community eagerly await justice for Jason Nguyen.
