An emotional first day of testimony unfolded Monday at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse in the trial of Steven Jones, accused of second-degree murder in the death of Taylor Marshall and attempted murder of Liam Frenette.
Details of the Incident
The trial began more than two years after the death of 22-year-old Taylor Marshall. Jones pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the events of Sept. 7, 2023, on Sault Ste. Marie’s boardwalk.
Jones appeared in court dressed in a blue polo shirt and grey pants, with his hair cut shorter than in previous photos. The trial was reduced from eight weeks to four after his defence lawyer, Andrew Furgiuele, opted for a trial by judge alone.
Crown’s Opening Statement
Justice Michael Varpio cautioned those in the courtroom that a murder trial can be emotionally difficult, inviting anyone feeling overwhelmed to leave. Assistant Crown attorney Trent Wilson then outlined the case, detailing the final moments of Marshall’s life.
Wilson stated Marshall died from sharp and blunt force injuries, suffering over 100 stab or cut wounds, as well as blunt force trauma to her head and brain. Frenette sustained more than 20 knife wounds to his face, throat, chest, abdomen, and arm.
Frenette’s Testimony
Liam Frenette was the first of eight witnesses to testify. He recounted going to Station Mall on Sept. 7, 2023, to withdraw money and purchase a candy bar and energy drink before walking to the boardwalk.
Frenette testified he was attacked from behind, initially believing he was being punched before realizing his attacker had a knife. He stated he did not recognize the attacker and thought he was being targeted in a case of mistaken identity. He yelled, “I don’t know you,” as the attacker fled when bystanders approached.
A video of the attack, recorded by a witness in a nearby car, was played in court. Frenette identified himself in the video and identified Jones as his attacker.
Frenette stated he believed the attacker was trying to kill him. Bystanders provided assistance, and a Sault Ste. Marie police officer applied a tourniquet to his arm before paramedics transported him to Sault Area Hospital. He spent about a week in the hospital, with his injuries taking six to eight months to heal.
Cross-Examination and Additional Witnesses
Defence lawyer David Hakim questioned Frenette about his testimony regarding Jones “running off,” playing the video to show Jones stopped the attack before bystanders arrived.
Witness Jacob Chapman, who works at Station Mall, testified he initially thought the attack was a fist fight before realizing it was “much more violent.” He also stated Jones ran off as he and others approached.
During cross-examination, Hakim pointed to a discrepancy in Chapman’s 911 call transcript, where Chapman told the operator the attacker was “walking towards the mall.”
Police Testimony and Arrest
Cst. Christopher Doran of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service testified he was flagged down by mall security, who directed him to Jones at a nearby loading dock. Surveillance video showed Doran drawing his firearm upon approaching Jones.
Doran stated Jones initially did not comply with orders to stay in place, walking toward the officer before eventually lying prone. Jones provided his name but refused to give his date of birth. A pair of bloody shoes and a backpack were recovered at the scene.
Jones was later taken to the hospital for treatment of a hand injury and informed he was being charged with attempted murder.
The trial continues on Tuesday.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
