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Burnaby manslaughter trial missing key witness

After a week of witness testimony, a manslaughter trial has been adjourned. Burnaby resident Franco Douglas Sarra is facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of 53-year-old Russ Armfelt.
new west court
B.C. provincial courts, including the one in New Westminster, have reduced in-person court appearances because of COVID-19.

After a week of witness testimony, a manslaughter trial has been adjourned.

Burnaby resident Franco Douglas Sarra is facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of 53-year-old Russ Armfelt.

Armfelt was located unconscious early in the morning of Dec. 11, 2016 outside the Rose & Crown Pub in Tsawwassen following what the Crown has called a consensual fist fight.

Last week, Crown called nine civilian witnesses to the stand who provided testimony about the night in question and observations of the altercation outside the pub that led to Armfelt’s death.

The case was adjourned due to the unavailability of a key Crown witness. A forensic pathologist is unable to testify as he is recovering from a recent surgical procedure.

Crown and lawyers for the defence are scheduled to appear in New Westminster Supreme Court Nov. 7 to decide on a date when the trial would resume.