The details and testimony at the second-degree murder trial for Craig Pope have been just as jarring and tragic the second time around.
The 38-year-old was convicted in 2019 of the stabbing death of 31-year-old Jonathan Collins. But that was overturned on appeal and a new jury trial was ordered, which began this week.
It’s been six years since Jonathan Collins bled out at the intersection of Mundy Pond Road and Alderberry Lane.
Jonathan Collins
And while some memories of that day may have faded, they remain vivid for RNC Constable Trevor Kennedy, the first officer on scene.
He went straight to Collins as he lay in the middle of the street, moaning, unconscious and gasping for air.
Soon they were in the back of an ambulance, speeding to the Health Sciences in a race against time that expired before they could get there, according to the officer.
“He was flailing, convulsing, and tensing up, but then the overall fight diminished. He did look at me, held my hand, squeezed it real tight and gave me the peace sign. That’s when his body relaxed. To me, that’s when he passed,” said Kennedy.
A full month has been set aside for the re-trial which is being heard by a jury of eight women, four men and two alternates.
Meanwhile, in a strange twist, Pope, who had been free on conditions, is now back in jail, accused of stealing a car this past Sunday.
Lawyers are now trying to work around his bail hearing in provincial court, as his murder trial continues in Supreme.
