Back at the William Sandeson first-degree murder trial today.
The Crown closed its case last week. Today, Sandeson's lawyer will tell the court how her client wishes to proceed.
The Crown closed its case last week. Today, Sandeson's lawyer will tell the court how her client wishes to proceed.
The jury has arrived. Justice Chipman welcomes jurors back to week five of the trial.
Chipman calls on Craig (Sandeson's lawyer), who says the defence will call evidence
Chipman calls on Craig (Sandeson's lawyer), who says the defence will call evidence
Craig thanks jurors for their patience so far throughout the trial. She says "you may have noticed I haven't asked many questions in this trial" and that there's no dispute Sandeson shot and killed Taylor Samson in Aug 2015.
She says Sandeson didn't intend to kill Samson; rather he did so in a form of self-defence.
William Sandeson is called to testify.
William Sandeson is called to testify.
Sandeson takes the stand.
Craig asks general questions.
He's 30 now, was 22 in Aug 2015. He grew up in Lower Truro. He has three younger brothers (22, 24, 27).
Says he had loving parents growing up, a farm property to adventure on, played sports, with support of family.
Craig asks general questions.
He's 30 now, was 22 in Aug 2015. He grew up in Lower Truro. He has three younger brothers (22, 24, 27).
Says he had loving parents growing up, a farm property to adventure on, played sports, with support of family.
He got a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, graduated in 2013.
Volunteered testifies he was a palliative care assistant with VoN, also volunteering with Veterans Memorial Hospital and the IWK.
He also volunteered with some Dal sports teams.
He also volunteered with some Dal sports teams.
After, he says worked briefly as personal trainer at GoodLife Fitness before goling to Saba University for med school in the Caribbean beginning in 2013. Came back around Christmas time (girlfriend in Halifax put pressure on him and he was lonely down on the island, he says).
He applied to Dal med school.. to start Aug 2015. He wanted to work in rural NS in sports.
He says he wanted to eventually move back to family property where he one day intended to build a house, he says
He says he wanted to eventually move back to family property where he one day intended to build a house, he says
Craig asks Sandeson if he recognizes some texts. He says its text history with Sonja Gashus, his former girlfriend.
He asked her if she'd attend his white coat ceremony, welcoming med students to school. It was Aug 23, 2015
He asked her if she'd attend his white coat ceremony, welcoming med students to school. It was Aug 23, 2015
Sandeson was living at 1210 Henry St for a little under one year as of Aug 2015.
He was living with Gashus and his roommate, Dylan Zinck.
"We were friends," Sandeson says of Zinck.
He was living with Gashus and his roommate, Dylan Zinck.
"We were friends," Sandeson says of Zinck.
Zinck was going to be moving out.
Sandeson says he was going to rent the entire apartment himself so he could use Zinck's room to grow magic mushrooms
Sandeson says he was going to rent the entire apartment himself so he could use Zinck's room to grow magic mushrooms
In summer of 2015, Sandeson worked at Regional Residential Services Society in Sackville (a home for people with intellectual disabilites).
Also worked at QEII emerg attendant and ward aid.
Averaged 60 hours per week, between three job titles.
Also worked at QEII emerg attendant and ward aid.
Averaged 60 hours per week, between three job titles.
Sandeson says he began in marijuana trade in summer of 2014. He says he "long had a number of friends who liked to smoke weed" and "their main dealer" didn't work a regular job, but always seemed to have money, Sandeson says.
Sandeson says he would eventually smoke once or twice a week, but didn't when he started in marijuana business.
Sandeson was mainly dealing marijuana in "pound amounts." He says he got his supply from a variety of places, predominantly in Montreal in summer of 2015
Sandeson was mainly dealing marijuana in "pound amounts." He says he got his supply from a variety of places, predominantly in Montreal in summer of 2015
Sandeson says he had no involvement with Hells Angels.
Craig asks Sandeson how he knows Justin Blades.
They met at first year at Dal, and were on track team. "We were friends but we weren't the closest friends.".
Sandeson says he also met Pookiel McCabe through Dal/track team. "He was one of my closest friends."
They met at first year at Dal, and were on track team. "We were friends but we weren't the closest friends.".
Sandeson says he also met Pookiel McCabe through Dal/track team. "He was one of my closest friends."
In summer of 2015, Sandeson also sold magic mushrooms and MDMA, he testifies.
Craig asks about his plan to grow magic mushrooms and how it would work.
Craig asks about his plan to grow magic mushrooms and how it would work.
Working his jobs - excluding drug trade - he made about $1000 per week. Mentions a loan coming back at $500 per week from someone named Jordan.
Sandeson says he wasn't planning to sell drugs when he started med school in Aug 2015, but was still planning to grow magic mushrooms.
Craig reviews texts between Sandeson and Jordan ___ (last name spelling???).
Sandeson says he leant Jordan $20,000 in January of 2015.
In Aug 2015, $13,000 balance remained.
Sandeson says he leant Jordan $20,000 in January of 2015.
In Aug 2015, $13,000 balance remained.
Craig reviews a series of texts about Taylor Samson.
Decided to get a gun license in 2015 because "people I dealt with in Montreal" were uncomfortable with me travelling with money and drugs "without protection."
Sandeson says he didn't want people knowing he had a gun.
He was registering at a gun club in March 2015. To get restricted firearms license, he needed to join a club, he says.
He was registering at a gun club in March 2015. To get restricted firearms license, he needed to join a club, he says.
On June 7, Sandeson texted someone that he was buying a gun. He bought it at a gun range. He says he kept it in bedroom, but took to Montreal once and two trips to gun range. He says it never left his safe, otherwise.
Craig moves on to questions about Sandeson's former girlfriend.
He says they met in early 2014, she was a runner on track & field team. They started dating in Dec 2014.
He says they were in love in Aug 2015; would spent every moment away from work and school together.
He says they met in early 2014, she was a runner on track & field team. They started dating in Dec 2014.
He says they were in love in Aug 2015; would spent every moment away from work and school together.
Sandeson says his girlfriend didn't approve of him selling drugs. He says she would see some drug sales, but not the "pound level" deals. He didn't want customers meeting her and vice-versa.
Sandeson asked Gashus to not be present for a deal in Montreal. Otherwise, he worked around her schedule. Says he doesn't recall asking her to stay away at Henry St apartment.
Financially, "I was doing very well," he says, earning about 8000 per month from work and drug trade.
Craig reviews court exhibit with Sandeson.
He identifies his CIBC line of credit. He had a chequing acct and TFSA acct, credit card.
Says LoC was worth $200,000 (total) for med school. It was co-signed with his mother, because bank required co-signer for international education
He identifies his CIBC line of credit. He had a chequing acct and TFSA acct, credit card.
Says LoC was worth $200,000 (total) for med school. It was co-signed with his mother, because bank required co-signer for international education
A statement from LoC activity from Dec 10 2014 - Jan 8 2015. Balance is $43,000.
Sandeson says that money had gone to a Dodge Ram truck, Saba Medical school expenses, rent and living expenses at Saba, round trip flights, trips, a motorcycle
Sandeson says that money had gone to a Dodge Ram truck, Saba Medical school expenses, rent and living expenses at Saba, round trip flights, trips, a motorcycle
Sandeson testifies about two transactions on Jan 8, 2015, two withdrawals - $5000 and $13,000 (18,000 total) - in relation to "a conversation with Jordan McEwan."
He was seeking out a loan, Sandeson says.
He was seeking out a loan, Sandeson says.
Sandeson says he sold his car to his girlfriend for $1,000 (June 11 transaction).
Sandeson was to start Dal med school in Aug 2015.
4 year cost = about 80,000 for entirety of program, he says. He had line of credit, but was also going to apply for student loan.
4 year cost = about 80,000 for entirety of program, he says. He had line of credit, but was also going to apply for student loan.
Sandeson sent a text to his former girlfriend, a screenshot capture, of conversation w Sandeson and his father about the line of credit.
His mother received statements and Sandeson says she was "concerned" so his father was giving him a head's up, he says.
His mother received statements and Sandeson says she was "concerned" so his father was giving him a head's up, he says.
Sandeson says he could've paid off his line of credit to open a new one where his mother wouldn't of had to co-sign for with "cash sitting out" from drug trade.
By August, at least 5 ppl owed him more than $1000, he says.
By August, at least 5 ppl owed him more than $1000, he says.
Craig reviews texts between Sandeson and his father.
A text in July of 2015, Sandeson's father says "Laurie got mail today. She is mad over credit line."
Sandeson responds: "she has no need to be" and that he would pay it off in September (to open another in his own name).
A text in July of 2015, Sandeson's father says "Laurie got mail today. She is mad over credit line."
Sandeson responds: "she has no need to be" and that he would pay it off in September (to open another in his own name).
Sandeson says there were no further conversations about finances with his parents or others
Craig reviews court exhibit with Sandeson; a text from Sandeson to his mother on May 3 2015.
Sandeson asks how much money remains on RESP, for Sandeson and his brothers.
Sandeson says that was in relation to a meeting with financial advisor.
Sandeson asks how much money remains on RESP, for Sandeson and his brothers.
Sandeson says that was in relation to a meeting with financial advisor.
On May 5 2015, Sandeson says he made stock investments.
Sandeson says he was not looking for financial assistance; says that was his mother's view.
Sandeson says he was not looking for financial assistance; says that was his mother's view.
Court takes morning break
Court resumes.
Craig asks Sandeson if he knew someone named Jeff (sp?). He said through drug trade, he knew him.
Craig reviews messages sent using Nextplus app.
Mostly drug talk between the two, Sandeson agrees with his lawyer.
Craig asks Sandeson if he knew someone named Jeff (sp?). He said through drug trade, he knew him.
Craig reviews messages sent using Nextplus app.
Mostly drug talk between the two, Sandeson agrees with his lawyer.
Sandeson said he was looking for 20lbs of marijuana. Says he was tired of commute to Montreal and that he was looking to "wrap up my drug dealing in Halifax."
I figured it'd be easier to do if it was all in one location, he says. Could possibly pass off business to someone else.
I figured it'd be easier to do if it was all in one location, he says. Could possibly pass off business to someone else.
Sandeson says he spoke with "everyone I knew dealing in pound quantities" to try to find someone who could supply 20lb.
Sandeson says now, he knows Taylor Samson dealt in those quantities.
Sandeson was willing to pay $40k.
Sandeson was willing to pay $40k.
Craig asks why Sandeson feared robbery.
Sandeson says most people he knows who dealt in those quantities of weed had been robbed.
Sandeson says most people he knows who dealt in those quantities of weed had been robbed.
Jeff asked Sandeson when he'd come by to "meet buddy."
Sandeson says he met Taylor Samson Aug 5 2015 for the first time; they met in person 3 times, he says.
Sandeson says he met Taylor Samson Aug 5 2015 for the first time; they met in person 3 times, he says.
Jeff introduced them at his apartment, Sandeson says. Second at Taylor's apartment Aug 13. Third time is Aug 15.
Aug 5 - Sandeson says it was "a quick hello," and that he explained what he was looking for in terms of quantity and quality he was looking for.
Aug 5 - Sandeson says it was "a quick hello," and that he explained what he was looking for in terms of quantity and quality he was looking for.
Sandeson: I left that meeting believing Samson was going to see if he could find what I was looking for.
Aug 13 - Sandeson says Samson directed him to a Robie St address. They end up going to an address near Sandeson's.
Aug 13 - Sandeson says Samson directed him to a Robie St address. They end up going to an address near Sandeson's.
Sandeson says he and Samson entered an apartment on Aug 13.
Sandeson says a couple other people were there.
Samson came down with "small duffel bag," Sandeson says. Inside were two large bags of weed.
Sandeson says a couple other people were there.
Samson came down with "small duffel bag," Sandeson says. Inside were two large bags of weed.
Sandeson says there were two strains. They discussed prices.
2,100 and 2,400 per pound. They discussed how any deal would work going forward to make us safe and secure, Sandeson says.
2,100 and 2,400 per pound. They discussed how any deal would work going forward to make us safe and secure, Sandeson says.
Sandeson says he told Samson the weed was for someone else for his own safety.
The meeting lasted no more than 10 mins, he says.
No commitment made to deals moving forward, he says... claimed he had to consult with the person he claimed to be buying for
The meeting lasted no more than 10 mins, he says.
No commitment made to deals moving forward, he says... claimed he had to consult with the person he claimed to be buying for
Sandeson says he texted Samson Aug 14. A deal eventually came together on the night of Sat. Aug. 15 2015.
Craig asks Sandeson to identify messages in a court exhibit.
Exchanging numbers, saying who is who, Sandeson says, on Aug 5.
"This is Taylor."
"Will," Sandeson responded. This is first text communication between them.
Exchanging numbers, saying who is who, Sandeson says, on Aug 5.
"This is Taylor."
"Will," Sandeson responded. This is first text communication between them.
Craig skips ahead to another conversation.
In a text Aug 14 at 9:41pm, Sandeson says "guy (non existent person) is happy with price" and can afford 30 on Aug 15.
In a text Aug 14 at 9:41pm, Sandeson says "guy (non existent person) is happy with price" and can afford 30 on Aug 15.
Sandeson describes texts with Samson, discussing how much weed Samson had.
Samson referenced "buddy" - which caught Sandeson's attention because someone else may be involved - and Sandeson was surprised at how quick the deal seemed to progress.
Samson referenced "buddy" - which caught Sandeson's attention because someone else may be involved - and Sandeson was surprised at how quick the deal seemed to progress.
The two planned to meet up at about 10pm Aug 15.
"I wasn't entirely convinced that I wanted to meet with Taylor yet" he says.
"I wasn't entirely convinced that I wanted to meet with Taylor yet" he says.
At 8:30pm, Sandeson was out for dinner with his then-girlfriend. She was going to a friend's house that night. Hearing she would be away, I had free time, Sandeson says. I decided I would meet with Taylor that night.
I then indicated we'd meet at a "safe house," Sandeson says. He says that's someone that would be safe to conduct drug trafficking without others around or somewhere that would attract police attention.
Sandeson says they planned to deal with smaller amounts at a time, to have smaller drug and dollar amounts involved.
But Samson "changed that now" and was looking to sell 20lb, Sandeson says. 20lb for $2000 per pound, he says.
But Samson "changed that now" and was looking to sell 20lb, Sandeson says. 20lb for $2000 per pound, he says.
Sandeson gave Samson directions on what door to use on ground level entry of Henry St apartment.
Sunday at 2:23am, Sandeson texts "this isn't cool man" to Samson.
Then "don't know what you're planning."
Sandeson testifies that was a "pretty lame attempt" to make it seem like Samson didn't show up the night prior.
Then "don't know what you're planning."
Sandeson testifies that was a "pretty lame attempt" to make it seem like Samson didn't show up the night prior.
Sandeson says given who he knew, "at the time, Taylor seemed like the best option" to deal with.
After med school started, Sandeson planned to "pass off my weed business to someone else" and grow magic mushrooms in the apartment.
After med school started, Sandeson planned to "pass off my weed business to someone else" and grow magic mushrooms in the apartment.
Sandeson says his girlfriend's disapproval and friends getting robbed are the reasons he was looking to get out of the business. He also said he wouldn't have the time.
Craig moves to Aug 15, 2015.
Craig:When you woke up, did you have plans to deal with Samson?
Sandeson: No.
Sandeson: I worked from 8:30-4:30, then had plans to go to dinner with my girlfriend, and I knew there was a track & field party that I was unsure if I'd attend.
Craig:When you woke up, did you have plans to deal with Samson?
Sandeson: No.
Sandeson: I worked from 8:30-4:30, then had plans to go to dinner with my girlfriend, and I knew there was a track & field party that I was unsure if I'd attend.
Sandeson says they watched Netflix prior to going to the Stubborn Goat at about 7 or 8pm.
Craig: When did the plan to meet up with Taylor materialize?
Sandeson: Not until I was out for dinner.
Craig: When did the plan to meet up with Taylor materialize?
Sandeson: Not until I was out for dinner.
Sandeson says he invited Samson over to his apartment "where I felt safer" and I knew that my girlfriend would be away.
Samson didn't know it was Sandeson's apartment.
Sandeson says he didn't have 40k cash in his apartment. "i didn't make any efforts to go get the cash"
Samson didn't know it was Sandeson's apartment.
Sandeson says he didn't have 40k cash in his apartment. "i didn't make any efforts to go get the cash"
He said he was going to confront Samson about "his potential involvement in a home invasion, robbery of Jordan."
Sandeson says he learned through Jordan that this happened.
Sandeson says he learned through Jordan that this happened.
Jordan told Sandeson he lost a significant amount of money and asked for loan forgiveness, Sandeson says.
"(Jordan) had warned me not to do any deals with Taylor" on Aug 14, Sandeson testifies.
"(Jordan) had warned me not to do any deals with Taylor" on Aug 14, Sandeson testifies.
Craig: What were you portraying to Taylor?
Sandeson: A drug transaction - 20lbs of weed for $40k.
Sandeson: A drug transaction - 20lbs of weed for $40k.
Sandeson says he doesn't recall asking his girlfriend to leave, but he believes he told her that a drug meeting would occur "to end my involvement in drug trafficking."
Sandeson says he told his girlfriend "words to the effect that it wouldn't be very long" re: the drug deal.
Sandeson now describes texts with Pookiel McCabe.
Sandeson says "the job in Lunenburg is on for early morning and I need a second person" and then "splits on the loot."
Sandeson says "the job in Lunenburg is on for early morning and I need a second person" and then "splits on the loot."
Sandeson says a person from Lunenburg bought weed from him and didn't pay; says he gave deadbolt password occasionally for deals -- and he wanted to get the weed back from the person without paying.
Sandeson says he told McCabe the plan for the two to go; that the "intimidation factor" of Pookie would help alleviate the threat of violence, he says.
Sandeson asked his roommate Dylan to not be at the apartment Aug 15. "He was used to that."
Sandeson says he asked girlfriend to drive home from dinner and park the car on the street to disassociate it from the apartment
Sandeson says he asked girlfriend to drive home from dinner and park the car on the street to disassociate it from the apartment
Sandeson says that's because "if in confronting Taylor, things ended on a sour note," I didn't want him to know it was mine.
Sandeson says he took down anything with his name or identification from the apartment as he was beginning to "prep" it in case he was robbed.
Sandeson says he took down anything with his name or identification from the apartment as he was beginning to "prep" it in case he was robbed.
Sandeson says he emptied one of the safes in his bedroom, somewhere btwn $12-14k. I put money in backpacks next to safe.
The remainder of the money was installed in area of room under blankets. I left remainder of weed in safe, he says. Also hid MDMA.
The remainder of the money was installed in area of room under blankets. I left remainder of weed in safe, he says. Also hid MDMA.
Craig: Why was robbery on your mind?
Sandeson: Because of the warnings I had received the day prior (from Jordan) and the "rapid change" of plans between Thursday and Saturday, where the deal was to be smaller quantities.
Sandeson: Because of the warnings I had received the day prior (from Jordan) and the "rapid change" of plans between Thursday and Saturday, where the deal was to be smaller quantities.
Sandeson says he was only intending on giving Samson $10,000 that night.
Court breaks for lunch.
Court breaks for lunch.
Court resumes after lunch.
Craig recaps what was said before lunch. Then asks about security cameras in the building. Sandeson said he installed them "to secure my house, to keep track of who's in and out." Installed late spring/early summer 2015.
Craig recaps what was said before lunch. Then asks about security cameras in the building. Sandeson said he installed them "to secure my house, to keep track of who's in and out." Installed late spring/early summer 2015.
Sandeson says he turned off the cameras shortly after 11:30pm.
Sandeson says he made sure his apartment wasn't identifiable, taking his name off of walls, etc.
Sandeson reiterates a fear of getting robbed Aug 15 2015.
Samson arrived alone; the two entered apartment together, Samson commented on cameras with "some discomfort," Sandeson says.
Samson arrived alone; the two entered apartment together, Samson commented on cameras with "some discomfort," Sandeson says.
They entered Sandeson's unit. He says he offered Samson beer.
"He pretty quickly shot that down," and said "something to the effect of I just want to get this the f**k over with," Sandeson testifies.
"He pretty quickly shot that down," and said "something to the effect of I just want to get this the f**k over with," Sandeson testifies.
Samson sat down in the kitchen, and tried to put the his duffel bag on the table.
Sandeson says he took the duffel bag and put it on the floor and opened the duffel bag to ensure it actually contained weed.
Sandeson says he took the duffel bag and put it on the floor and opened the duffel bag to ensure it actually contained weed.
A thread of tweet drafts were deleted...... So I'll summarize.
Sandeson says he brought out $10k. Samson wasn't pleased, he says, because the price was $40k.
Sandeson: I told him he got the rest his money from Jordan (referencing an earlier alleged robbery/home invasion)
Sandeson says he brought out $10k. Samson wasn't pleased, he says, because the price was $40k.
Sandeson: I told him he got the rest his money from Jordan (referencing an earlier alleged robbery/home invasion)
Sandeson said he pulled up his baggy sweater and showed Samson his gun.
Sandeson opened the door and told Samson to get out of his apartment.
Sandeson says Samson eventually said something to the effect of "is your pretty girlfriend home?"
Sandeson opened the door and told Samson to get out of his apartment.
Sandeson says Samson eventually said something to the effect of "is your pretty girlfriend home?"
Sandeson alleges Samson was lunging at him to try to get the gun.
He said they both had hands on it at some point as they jostled for it.
That calmed down, before a second engagement. Sandeson says he pulled the trigger.
He said they both had hands on it at some point as they jostled for it.
That calmed down, before a second engagement. Sandeson says he pulled the trigger.
Sandeson says he checked for a pulse and heard a breath from Samson that didn't sound normal. He believed he shot Samson in the chest.
But while checking for a pulse, Sandeson noticed blood all over Samson's head.
Samson was slouched over at the kitchen table.
But while checking for a pulse, Sandeson noticed blood all over Samson's head.
Samson was slouched over at the kitchen table.
Craig now reviewing security footage of Sandeson and Samson entering Sandeson's apartment unit at 10:26pm on Aug 15 2015.
At 10:27pm, Sandeson says he showed Samson the door and told him to leave.
Sandeson shut the door and agreed to talk it out.
At 10:29, Sandeson went over to his neighbour's apartment... they followed over shortly after.
Sandeson shut the door and agreed to talk it out.
At 10:29, Sandeson went over to his neighbour's apartment... they followed over shortly after.
The neighbour (McCabe) and visitor (Blades) have told the trial they saw a man slouched over and bleeding at the kitchen table in Sandeson's apartment.
Sandeson says he was feeling "terrible, scared" immediately following the shooting.
At 10:30, Blades and McCabe come back to the doorframe of Sandeson's unit. At 10:32, they go back to McCabe's apartment -- before eventually leaving.
At 10:30, Blades and McCabe come back to the doorframe of Sandeson's unit. At 10:32, they go back to McCabe's apartment -- before eventually leaving.
Sandeson says "there's no way I would've" asked Blades to "bring the car around."
Blades has told the trial that was in fact said, and that he declined.
Blades has told the trial that was in fact said, and that he declined.
Craig asks Sandeson why he didn't ask for help right away. He said he had "already heard that breath" and saw lots of blood coming from Samson.
Sandeson says "bloody drugs and money" were everywhere.
Sandeson says "bloody drugs and money" were everywhere.
He said he didn't call the police because he knew he knew he'd be getting arrested.
He's now talking about cleaning up his apartment, and how sporadic that was.
He's now talking about cleaning up his apartment, and how sporadic that was.
Sandeson shut off his security cameras at about 11:30pm.
He says he took garbage out of his apartment and Taylor out of his apartment.
He says he took garbage out of his apartment and Taylor out of his apartment.
"The bloodiest of the garbage, I bagged up and put it in a green bin. And I put Taylor inside of the black duffel bag that he brought and I put that in the trunk of my Mazda car," Sandeson says.
When Sandeson's girlfriend came home, she commented on the strong bleach smell.
She tried to air out the apartment while Sandeson showered, he says.
He says they went to bed sometime that evening. He couldn't sleep so he went to computer chair and turned the camera system back on
She tried to air out the apartment while Sandeson showered, he says.
He says they went to bed sometime that evening. He couldn't sleep so he went to computer chair and turned the camera system back on
He says he was watching "in case anyone else was coming."
Sandeson says he told his girlfriend that someone was at the meeting "freaked out, that there was a fight... and that it was bloody."
Sandeson says he told his girlfriend that someone was at the meeting "freaked out, that there was a fight... and that it was bloody."
Sandeson says he didn't sleep that night. He eventually went out to the kitchen to watch his camera system. He says he was texting various people "for different reasons."
"I wanted to talk to someone."
"I wanted to talk to someone."
One of those texts at about 5:00am, was to a friend in Australia.
“Student loan paid off and I’m squeaky clean now!”
Sandeson says today, that's a terrible comment.
globalnews.ca/news/9448992/m…
“Student loan paid off and I’m squeaky clean now!”
Sandeson says today, that's a terrible comment.
globalnews.ca/news/9448992/m…
Craig reviewing more texts with Sandeson; this time between McCabe and Sandeson just after midnight.
Sandeson told McCabe that he didn't have to call police and the Lunenburg trip was cancelled.
Sandeson told McCabe that he didn't have to call police and the Lunenburg trip was cancelled.
At 3:57am, he texted McCabe asking if he was awake. He thought he heard McCabe return home from a night out.
Sandeson eventually went to McCabe's apartment. "We just sat there in stunned silence," he says.
Sandeson eventually went to McCabe's apartment. "We just sat there in stunned silence," he says.
Court resumes after afternoon break.
Craig continues with questions for Sandeson.
Reviewing Aug 16 photos now. Sandeson says he was taking garbage out. He set some out for collection, and some possibly in other people's garabges.
Craig continues with questions for Sandeson.
Reviewing Aug 16 photos now. Sandeson says he was taking garbage out. He set some out for collection, and some possibly in other people's garabges.
Craig asks about Samson's body.
Sandeson said he put it in the trunk of his vehicle. He got on the highway and started driving, he says.
"I was trying to figure out what to do."
He contemplated leaving him somewhere off the highway, but thought against that.
Sandeson said he put it in the trunk of his vehicle. He got on the highway and started driving, he says.
"I was trying to figure out what to do."
He contemplated leaving him somewhere off the highway, but thought against that.
He got to Stewiacke, turned off the highway, turned into a gas station and bought something to drink. One bottle had been poured into a garbage bag that had Taylor's phone in it to soak the phone, and left the garbage bag at gas station.
Sandeson kept driving towards Truro. "I had been raised cautiously to fear the Fundy bay."
Sandeson says he pulled into a carpool spot just off the highway. He saw a trail leading to top of dikes.
Sandeson says he pulled into a carpool spot just off the highway. He saw a trail leading to top of dikes.
Sandeson says he carried Taylor to a spot on Fundy side of dike and put him in the water.
"Taylor was covered in garbage bags," Sandeson says.
"Taylor was covered in garbage bags," Sandeson says.
Sandeson describes taking more garbage out. This garbage, he says, he took to Truro.
"I wanted to talk to my dad," Sandeson says. "I was scared, I didn't know what to do."
"I wanted to talk to my dad," Sandeson says. "I was scared, I didn't know what to do."
Sandeson says he thought he had "all proof against me" with him.
He thought about dumping ground and old truck on the property, but he couldn't find the truck. He found a structure. "I put everything inside it."
He thought about dumping ground and old truck on the property, but he couldn't find the truck. He found a structure. "I put everything inside it."
Later on Aug 18, Sandeson was arrested.
He says he did "not entirely" tell the truth to the officer who interviewed him. "I was a drug trafficker," he says, referencing multiple "crimes that I could have been in trouble for."
He says he did "not entirely" tell the truth to the officer who interviewed him. "I was a drug trafficker," he says, referencing multiple "crimes that I could have been in trouble for."
Sandeson said his shoulder was bruised due to the weight of the duffel bag.
Craig reviews photos with Sandeson.
Sandeson says he took bottles of formamide (for MDMA production) outside his apartment as he was trying to purge anything drug-related.
Sandeson says he took bottles of formamide (for MDMA production) outside his apartment as he was trying to purge anything drug-related.
Sandeson describes removing awards/certificates from his bedroom prior to the drug deal, as well as some Dal Tigers gear from the kitchen
Craig: Did you plan or want to hurt Taylor Samson?
Sandeson: No
Craig: Did you plan or want to kill Taylor Samson?
Sandeson: No, definitely not
"I thought he was going to kill me if he got the gun away from me," Sandeson answers.
Craig concludes. Cross-examination begins.
Sandeson: No
Craig: Did you plan or want to kill Taylor Samson?
Sandeson: No, definitely not
"I thought he was going to kill me if he got the gun away from me," Sandeson answers.
Craig concludes. Cross-examination begins.
Crown asks about the Aug 13 meeting between Samson and Sandeson.
Sandeson today says Samson had about 4.4lbs (2 kilogram bags, in his estimate) of marijuana on him that night.
In a police interview Aug 18, he told them they were 2 1lb bags.
Sandeson today says Samson had about 4.4lbs (2 kilogram bags, in his estimate) of marijuana on him that night.
In a police interview Aug 18, he told them they were 2 1lb bags.
Crown asks about the commute from Henry St Halifax to Truro.
A little over an hour from Halifax to Lower Truro family farm, Sandeson says.
Crown says Sandeson knew about tide rushing in and that Sandeson
Sandeson says "I suppose" it would be a "prime location" (Crown comment)
A little over an hour from Halifax to Lower Truro family farm, Sandeson says.
Crown says Sandeson knew about tide rushing in and that Sandeson
Sandeson says "I suppose" it would be a "prime location" (Crown comment)
Crown asks Sandeson if he was thinking about Samson's mother, family, friends, when taking Samson's body to a dangerous river?
Sandeson says yes, but he was thinking about himself more
Sandeson says yes, but he was thinking about himself more
"That was the only place I could think of that morning," Sandeson says.
Crown reviews Sandeson's med school experience at Saba University in Caribbean.
Crown suggests Sandeson would've learned in one class in particular, about dissecting a body.
Crown suggests Sandeson would've learned in one class in particular, about dissecting a body.
Crown concludes for the day. Cross-examination continues tomorrow. Court adjourned until 9:30
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