The trial of Kevin Mantla, accused in a bloody and brutal 2015 stabbing that left Elvis Lafferty dead and Mantla's ex-girlfriend seriously injured, heard submissions from the Crown and defence Thursday in NWT Supreme Court.
Crown prosecutor Blair McPherson, drawing from a “significant body” of forensic testimony and eye-witness accounts, doubled down on the Crown's contention a jealous and jilted Mantla had formed a “thoughtful” plan to kill on Sept. 28, 2015.
“This guy knew what he was doing from start to finish,” said McPherson.
Mantla's defence lawyer, Charles Davison, zeroed in our “inconsistencies” in the testimony of three main witnesses.
Judge Louise Charbonneau will render her decision on whether Mantla is guilty of first degree murder, second degree murder or manslaughter when court reconvenes on May. 24.
The full story from Thursday's proceedings, which finished late in the day, can be read on old.nnsl.com, with an updated version in print next Wednesday.
Stay tuned for the full story tomorrow.