A Montreal man accused of second-degree homicide in Nova Scotia almost 5 years in the past is now strolling free.
Valdo Pauyo was dealing with a possible life sentence for the taking pictures of Bert Knockwood in Millbrook First Nation in July 2021.
However at a last-minute listening to on Friday, Crown prosecutors withdrew the cost, citing inadequate proof.
“The Crown had decided as of this week that we had no cheap prospect of conviction transferring ahead,” defined Nova Scotia Crown lawyer Cory Roberts. “So, we withdrew the cost, and the trial dates are vacated.”
Earlier than Knockwood’s loss of life, Pauyo and Knockwood appeared to have been buddies.
The 2 present up continuously in Knockwood’s previous Fb posts, by which he referred to Pauyo as “one in every of his favorite individuals,” and the Mi’kmaw phrase for “youthful brother.”
On July 12, 2021, RCMP have been known as to a house on Glooscap Dr. in Millbrook First Nation for a report of a sudden loss of life. They discovered Knockwood and dominated his loss of life suspicious. It was later deemed a murder, and Pauyo was named because the prime suspect within the case.
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Police issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for Pauyo, who had left for Montreal shortly after Knockwood’s loss of life.
Pauyo appeared on the RCMP’s nationwide ‘most wished’ record earlier than his arrest in April 2024.
In response to his defence counsel, Xavier Desrosiers and Carl Devost, Pauyo is comfortable to have the whole ordeal behind him, and added they approve of the Crown’s choice.
However those that have been near Knockwood are involved their pal gained’t get the justice he deserves, calling Friday’s listening to “a slap within the face.”
In a Fb submit, Knockwood’s longtime pal Brian Pelrine says, “Realizing the person who took his [Knockwood’s] life walks free right this moment is a special type of harm,” and proof of a “flawed” justice system.
The Nova Scotia DJ described his and Knockwood’s bond as “as near brotherly as you might get” and stated Knockwood was the one who gifted him his first set of turntables, launching his music profession.
In Knockwood’s obituary, his household and buddies described him as a “whirlwind of affection” with a ardour for music, motion pictures and his tradition, and stated he would give the shirt off his again if it meant serving to somebody he cared for.
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