Short day for jury in Chatham murder trial

Short day for jury in Chatham murder trial

It was short day for the jury in a Chatham murder trial Tuesday.

Superior Court Justice Brian Dube told the jury more time is needed to prepare his charge to the jury and for the Crown and defense to prepare their closing statements.

Kyle Samko, 28, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Manuel (Manny) da Silva, 35.

Chatham-Kent police and paramedics found da Silva with stab wounds outside a St. George Street home, near Park Avenue East in Chatham, on the afternoon of June 3, 2021. He died later in a Chatham hospital.

The judge told the jury to decide on a verdict based on the testimony seen and heard during the trial, along with instructions they receive from him.

He told jurors not to research the law with respect to second-degree murder or self-defence, calling anything they might find “totally irrelevant” to their deliberations.

Dube also reminded jurors no no seek information about the trial from media sources, social media or the internet.

And when it comes to a verdict, Dube said, “Punishment has no place in your decision.”

He added that is his decision to make.

Trial resumes Wednesday.

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