The trial of 31-year-old Christopher Gale, who is charged with second-degree murder in the 2010 death of his then girlfriend Jocelyn Bishop, got underway Wednesday.
Gale’s attorney Don Crawford says his client is understandably nervous.
Jocelyn, 21, was reported missing by her father on July 4, 2010. Her body was found four days later in a shallow grave behind the home she shared with Gale.
Gale was arrested the same day on drugs and firearms charges, based on evidence found in the home on Fanshawe Park Road West. Once in custody he was also charged with causing an indignity to a body.
Jocelyn was last seen June 27, 2010, walking near her home and the court has heard she died the same day from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Police allege the weapon used, a Cobray M-11, was made by Gale.
In her opening statement, Crown attorney Mary Potter said Gale wants them to believe Jocelyn used the gun to shoot herself after an argument, but alleged it was Gale who pulled the trigger.
The first witness to testify was Don Bishop, Jocelyn’s father, who told the court he hadn’t seen her in the months before her disappearance.
He told the court Gale called and told him they had fought and she had packed a bag.
That’s when the police became involved and a search began. Don also testified Gale claimed to be ‘too busy’ to help in the search.
The jury also heard the Jocelyn did have some mental health issues, but that she was a young adult who loved music, playing video games and being outdoors.
The trial is expected to last four weeks.
