Jury begins weighing evidence in Lake Street murder trial

The 12 people who hold the fate of murder accused Johnathan Townsend in their hands, have began their deliberations.

Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio sent them to their jury room at 12:25 p.m. after delivering his instructions on the law this morning.

The jurors have a choice of finding the 21-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man not-guilty or guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder or manslaughter.

Townsend has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the Aug. 8, 2013 stabbing death of Corellie Bonhomme.

The body of the 42-year-old woman was found in the bathtub of his Lake Street apartment.

His trial began April 3, and after a break for the Easter holiday, the Crown and defence gave their closing arguments on Tuesday.