EDMONTON — A decision is expected today on whether to allow a news camera to broadcast the verdict in the murder trial of a man accused of killing two Alberta seniors who vanished on a camping trip.
Travis Vader has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the 2010 deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann.
Several media outlets have asked Queen's Bench Justice Denny Thomas to allow the camera in court on Thursday, arguing there is public interest because of the cost of the extensive police investigation and trial.
The McCanns, in their late 70s, were last seen fuelling up their motorhome in their home town of St. Albert before heading to British Columbia — their burning vehicle was found two days later in a remote area west of Edmonton.
The Crown has argued that Vader was a desperate drug user living in a makeshift camp when he came across the McCanns and killed them.
The defence contends that, without the bodies or a murder weapon, the Crown's case is based on sketchy circumstantial evidence that doesn't add up.
It's a complicated case that took six years to get to trial. The Crown stayed the charges against Vader in 2014, then laid them again nine months later.
Vader has claimed malicious prosecution and filed lawsuits against police and prosecutors.
"Public access by live feed is particularly suitable in this case due to the significant public interest surrounding the investigation and trial of the accused," says the court application submitted by the CBC, the Edmonton Journal, Global News, CTV and The Canadian Press.
"The live video feed will promote the fairness of the administration of justice by ensuring the public receives an accurate account of the decision."
The Supreme Court of Canada has broadcast most of its cases since 1995 and other provinces have allowed cameras to record some court decisions, says a media affidavit.
The Crown is opposed to having a camera in the courtroom for the Vader verdict.
The defence and the McCann family say they support a public broadcast of the decision.
