The family of Loretta Saunders heading into court Tuesday
Trina Roache
APTN National News
Opening arguments are set to begin Wednesday afternoon in a Halifax courtroom as the trial for the murder of Loretta Saunders gets underway.
Blake Leggette and Victoria Henneberry are both charged with first degree murder.
The two accused rented an apartment from Saunders in Halifax.
Henneberry is facing an additional charge of accessory to murder after the fact.
Saunders’ family has travelled from Labrador for the trial.
They sat in the courtroom yesterday as jury selection wrapped up.
The 12 person jury is made up of eight men and four women.
“I want justice for my daughter,” said an emotional Miriam Saunders, Loretta’s mother.
The 26 year old Saunders went to university in Halifax.
Her thesis was focused on missing and murdered Indigenous women.
She was killed Feb. 13, 2014.
The two accused were arrested days later in Ontario with Saunders car and cellphone.
Saunders body was found along the side of the Trans Canada highway near Salisbury, New Brunswick.
The family has said it will be difficult to sit through the trial but they want to see the faces of the accused, and keep the focus on Loretta.
The family has set up a scholarship fund in her name, as a way to inspire and help other indigenous women in Canada.
The trial continues at 2pm ATL Wednesday.
Follow @TrinaRoache on Twitter for updates.
