The accused, charged with two counts of first degree murder, applied for a directed verdict of acquittal at the close of the Crown's case.
The Crown's case relied on circumstantial evidence, including video surveillance, cell phone records, and expert evidence on the 'code of silence' to establish motive and opportunity.
The court applied the test for a directed verdict, assessing whether a reasonable jury, properly instructed, could convict based on the available evidence and reasonable inferences.
The court found that the totality of the direct and circumstantial evidence provided a sufficient basis for a jury to find the essential elements of the offences proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The application was dismissed.
