The defence has called no evidence after a witness recanted his testimony in an ongoing Windsor trial. Fernando Ratcliffe, 26, pleaded not guilty Monday to five counts of attempted murder. In the early morning hours of April 9, 2022, five people were shot while they stood outside a busy east Windsor bowling alley. In a surprising turn of events this week, Andrew Meloche told the court he now doesn’t remember who opened fire from his brother’s truck that night. He had previously told the court it was Ratcliffe. After Meloche was cross-examined by the defence, the prosecution concluded their case. Defence lawyer Devin Bains did not call any evidence, which is not unusual in criminal proceedings, because they do not have to call any evidence. It’s up to the Crown to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge-alone trial did not sit on Wednesday. It will now proceed to closing arguments Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
