Prosecutor Louis Bouthillier and defence lawyer Luc Leclair showed up to court Wednesday for what turned out to be a formality: Luka Magnotta won't be filing an appeal after all. Magnotta appeared via videoconference from his jail cell and affirmed repeatedly that he understood the implications of his decision to abandon an appeal of his conviction. "The appeal process is now terminated and I was happy that Justice Marcotte asked Mr. Magnotta whether his abandonment this morning was true to his feelings," Bouthillier told CTV Montreal. Magnotta will not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years. Magnotta has has also opened the the door to a possible meeting with the father of Jun Lin, the Chinese engineering student he admitted to killing and dismembering. Diran Lin, the victim's father has sought to meet with Magnotta. "He wants to hear something, some kind of response or remorse from the killer of his son and he would like to learn more about what happened that night," said Daniel Urbas, lawyer for Diran Lin. Defence lawyer Luc Leclair said his client made the decision after reflecting on the prospect of facing 12 jurors and a whole new trial process. "I have to say that the Crown's evidence is very strong, I would say overwhelming," Leclair said, explaining that his client's decision was nevertheless his own. Leclair said discussions concerning a meeting between Magnotta and Jun Lin's father have been underway for some time, but could not be pursued pending any appeal. "Now that's over, he does want to talk to him. And hopefully that will be in person," he said, clarifying that the meeting would take place "in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. "To what extent, I don't know, but I think it would be beneficial." Last December, Magnotta was found guilty in the 2012 slaying and dismemberment of Chinese engineering student Jun Lin. The jury deliberated for eight days before returning five guilty verdicts. Magnotta admitted to killing and dismembering Lin, but launched an appeal last month, seeking to be found not criminally responsible by way of mental disorder. In his comments after the appeal was dropped Wednesday, the lawyer for Lin's family welcomed the development. "This was the end of the criminal trial process," Daniel Urbas said, explaining that Jun Lin's relatives in China have been informed, and will consider arrangements for a meeting with Magnotta.
