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Long-Running Murder Trial Resumes
The Crown says the bag links Gabriella Sears to Darren Middleton’s death as defence challenges its chain of custody.
- On Monday, the murder trial of Gabriella Sears resumed in Kelowna, with Crown prosecutors focusing on evidence regarding a black Lululemon purse connected to the 2021 death of Darren Middleton.
- Sears faces second-degree murder and indignity to a body charges stemming from the June 16, 2021 incident, with proceedings delayed more than two years as multiple defence lawyers withdrew and judges changed.
- Crown witness Jessica Coutney testified she collected a black bag from Brenda Adams, which Cpl. Mitchell linked to the crime scene through a prescription receipt matching a bottle found at the Sycamore Road residence.
- The defence objected to the evidence, arguing the bag passed through too many hands to confirm its contents belonged to the accused, with cross-examination of Coutney scheduled for Tuesday.
- Prosecutors expect to present additional evidence on Tuesday before concluding their case, following a complex history that includes an 18-day trial collapse in 2023 and a psychiatric assessment for Sears.
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Penticton Western News+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Black purse Crown’s focus as long-delayed Kelowna murder trial resumes
A black Lululemon purse was again focused on by Crown counsel as a long-delayed murder trial got back underway in Kelowna. Gabriella Sears appeared by video on June 8 to resume her second-degree murder trial. Sears, who was arrested under the name Dereck Sears, is on trial for murder and interference with human remains in the 2021 death of Darren Middleton. The body of Middleton was found in the bathroom of Sears’ residence at 1210 Sycamore Rd. …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources5
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
80% Left
L 80%
C 20%
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