Prosecution to Give Closing Arguments in Toronto Van Attack Trial

Prosecution to Give Closing Arguments in Toronto Van Attack Trial
Defence lawyer Boris Bytensky, clockwise from top (L), Justice Anne Malloy, the court clerk, Crown attorney Joseph Callaghan, the scene of Yonge street attack and defendant Alek Minassian are shown during a murder trial conducted via Zoom videoconference, in this courtroom sketch, on Nov. 10, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Alexandra Newbould)
The Canadian Press
12/18/2020
Updated:
12/18/2020

TORONTO—The prosecution will deliver its closing arguments today at the trial for the man who killed 10 people in Toronto’s van attack.

Alek Minassian has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 of attempted murder.

The defence argues Minassian is not criminally responsible for his actions on April 23, 2018, due to autism spectrum disorder.

The Crown argues the 28-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., knew what he was doing was wrong.

Minassian has admitted to planning and carrying out the attack.

The only issue at trial is his state of mind at the time of the killings.