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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Saint John Woman Found Not Guilty

29 year old Crystal Dawn MacKenzie has been found not guilty for the second time in the stabbing death of her common law partner, 29 year old Patrick Thomas in March of 2010. She was retried for second degree murder in his death outside an apartment building on Alma Street after a night of heavy drinking and what was described as horrendous  violence. 

One of her lawyers, Brian Munro says the jury came to the right decision and he can't understand why a second trial was held considering the time and expense. 

Her other lawyer, David Kelly says even if she had been found guilty of manslaughter, which the jury decided she was not, what would a judge do with her since she is no threat to society. 

Both Kelly and Munro, say Mackenzie, though relieved by the verdict, was overcome by the stress  and had to go to the hospital. She became emotional after being told by Mr. Justice William Grant she was free to go and was embraced by members of her family.

Neither Kelly nor Munro believe there will be an appeal by the prosecution and a third trial.