Crown grants acquittal of two men convicted in 1973 killing in Winnipeg
CTV
A judge has granted an acquittal to two First Nations men convicted of killing a restaurant worker in Winnipeg a half-century ago.
A judge has granted an acquittal to two First Nations men convicted of killing a restaurant worker in Winnipeg a half-century ago.
Chief Justice Glenn Joyal of the Court of King's Bench told Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse they are innocent and deserve acquittals, resulting in an eruption of cheers and claps from the gallery.
"I'm now happy to enter them," Joyal said of the acquittals. "Your stories are stories of courage and resilience."
So many people turned up for the appearance of Anderson and Woodhouse in Winnipeg court that it had to be moved to a bigger room.
Following Joyal's decision, people hugged and some began to cry.
The Crown had asked for an acquittal of Anderson and Woodhouse, saying systemic racism had affected the investigation and prosecution.
"Our justice system failed," Crown attorney Michelle Jules told Joyal on Tuesday. "Failed to provide them a fair trial."
