Jaw trial will be heard in Cape Dorset

Judge Rene Foisy upheld Salamonie Jaw’s request to have his first-degree murder trail conducted in Cape Dorset this week.

Evidence from the April 15 and 16 change of venue hearing, including why Crown opposes having the trial held in Cape Dorset, is protected by a publication ban.
Five witnesses, including a crime statistics expert called by the defence, testified during the hearing.

Jaw’s trial date is scheduled to be set on June 5.

Jaw is accused of killing Const. Jurgen Seewald in Cape Dorset on March 5, 2001. He has been in pre-trial custody at Baffin Correctional Centre since his arrest.

CBC Radio applied to have the publication ban removed. However, Foisy upheld the ban on the grounds that any evidence from the hearing could prejudice Jaw’s right to a full and fair trial.

“I know there is a fine balance between the right to know and the right to a fair trial,” Foisy told the court.