Crown closes case at murder trial
The first-degree murder trial of Neil Lee Yakimchuk is nearing its conclusion in Saskatoon court.
Yakimchuk, 34, is charged with killing Isho Hana 10 years ago.
Hana was 34 years old when he was chased down and fatally shot in the 2100 block of Preston Avenue on April 15, 2004, in what police have said was a contract killing in the midst of an escalating drug turf war in Saskatoon.
More than one bullet struck Hana, and a stray bullet narrowly missed a 12-yearold boy when it smashed through his bedroom window.
A jury of eight men and four women has been hearing evidence at Yakimchuk’s trial for three weeks in Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench.
On Thursday, the Crown closed its case after calling 19 witnesses — including one of the other men accused of first-degree murder in Hana’s death.
Kennith Jacob Tingle, who was the final witness for the Crown, is scheduled to stand trial in September along with two other accused, Jonathan Kenneth Dombowski and Long Nam Luu. All four accused were charged with firstdegree murder following a police investigation in 2011.
All the evidence heard at Yakimchuk’s trial is subject to a publication ban, in light of the upcoming trial for the other accused. Tingle’s testimony began Wednesday and his cross examination concluded on Thursday.
After Crown prosecutor Michael Segu closed his case Thursday morning, defence lawyer Paul McMurray made a brief opening statement and called two witnesses: Luu and Yakimchuk.
Yakimchuk testified for about 90 minutes Thursday afternoon. He will be on the stand again when the trial resumes Friday.
Yakimchuk’s trial began June 2. Closing arguments will likely take place early next week and the jury could start deliberating by midweek.