Jaw seeks new trial in police slaying

Salomonie Jaw, found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of a police officer in Cape Dorset, is seeking a re-trial in hopes of overturning the verdict handed down by residents in his hometown last month.

Jaw’s lawyers said in a notice of appeal filed March 4 that they want a re-trial on the grounds that Justice John Vertes, who oversaw the original trial, made mistakes in the way he prepared the jury for deliberations.

Lawyers Susan Cooper and Greg Nearing accuse the judge of failing to explain to the jury that they could have found Jaw guilty of second-degree murder, if they decided the police officer, Const. Jurgen Seewald, used excessive force when he was arresting Jaw three years ago.

The lawyers also allege that during instructions to the jury, the judge failed to point out evidence suggesting Jaw did not deliberately intend to murder the officer.

Jaw is currently serving a life sentence at the maximum security prison in Kingston, Ont., without possibility of parole for 25 years.