The trial of a man accused of murdering a 20-year-old Indigenous woman has been suspended for now.
Josh Benoit is charged with first degree murder in the killing of Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin.
The 20-year-old’s body was found on a remote ATV trail in southeastern Manitoba in August 2022.
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The trial was scheduled to take place from December 9 to 20.
On Monday morning, Benoit was supposed to plead guilty, but suddenly he is now considering pleading not guilty. This change shocked the courtroom, causing outbursts of emotion. The hearing was briefly adjourned.
When the court resumed, the judge said Benoit’s next court date would be Jan. 8 in summons court. The summons court is where criminal cases will be adjourned when there is no known next court date.
As of Monday morning, Benoit will also no longer work with his defense attorney, Andrew Synyshyn. The judge noted that Benoit’s new court date would give him a month to find a new lawyer.