The jury in the second-degree murder trial for Robert Belbin has been advised not to make plans for the long Thanksgiving Day weekend.
Supreme Court Justice Trina Simms laid out a timeline for the eight men and six women of the jury, two of which — alternates — will be randomly removed before deliberations begin.
But not before the Crown and defence make their final submissions tomorrow afternoon.
The Crown contends Belbin, 24, stabbed close friend Seamus Secord, 22, nine times over $30,000 worth of missing Dilaudid pills. Belbin insists Secord blamed and came at him, so he grabbed the knife and jabbed in self-defence.
It happened just before 5:00 p.m. on February 7th, 2023, at the corner of Mayor Avenue and Newtown Road in St. John’s.
Following closing arguments tomorrow, Justice Simms will give her charge or instructions to the jury Friday morning, before being sequestered until they reach a verdict.
She suggested the jury “be prepared to stay overnight,” advising them to let friends and family know they may be busy for Thanksgiving.
The trial, which began September 22nd, was expected to last six weeks, but will go to the jury after just three.
