Trial into murder of Essex woman scheduled to resume Monday

The ongoing trial into the deaths of Juliana Pannunzio of Essex and Christine Crooks of Toronto has been adjourned for two weeks for the holidays.

The trial in the murder of Essex woman is scheduled to resume Monday.

Juliana Pannunzio, 21, was killed at a house party in Fort Erie on Jan. 19, 2021.

Christopher Lucas, 27, of Toronto has been on trial in Welland, Ont. Since Oct. 20.

When the jury was selected, members were told the trial would require nine weeks, ending before Christmas.

The assistant Crown attorneys on the case and the court staff in Welland won’t say why it’s been delayed or how much longer is needed before the jury retires to consider its verdict.

Along with Pannunzio, Christine Crooks, 18, of Toronto was also killed.

The jury previously learned Crooks was Pannunzio’s only connection to the party that night and Lucas was out on bail at the time of the shooting.

According to the Niagara Falls Review, the jury has heard testimony from dozens of witnesses, including several people who attended the party.

None of the partygoers said they saw the shooting take place or could identify the shooter, according to the newspaper.