Paris Laroche (L) is accused of murdering former boyfriend Sidney Mantee (R). (Facebook)

By Ian Holmes

venue change

Looming Nanaimo murder trial moved to Vancouver

Jan 11, 2024 | 12:59 PM

NANAIMO — An upcoming high-profile trial for a woman who allegedly murdered her former boyfriend won’t happen in the Harbour City.

Following several days of procedural discussions, BC Supreme Court Justice Robin Baird ordered the jury trial of Paris Jayanne Laroche to be transferred to Vancouver to begin later this month.

At issue was resistance from the RCMP to house the Laroche in custody at its Nanaimo detachment for the duration of the scheduled month-long trial.

There also is not a female-specific detention facility available on Vancouver Island for Laroche to occupy during off-hours of her trial.

Justice Baird’s Thursday, Jan 11 ruling was made with the consent of the Crown and defence.

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Laroche, 28, was arrested and charged in March 2022 in connection to the death of 32-year-old Sidney Joseph Mantee.

The accused, born and raised in Nanaimo, is charged with first-degree murder and interfering with a dead body.

Justice Baird agreed to the suggestion that any of the Crown’s witnesses can have the ability to testify via video if necessary.

The veteran supreme court justice responded to indications from the Crown that securing the necessary jury to start the trial on time could be an issue.

“I’ve been told that with a little bit of elbow grease and maneuvering this trial can successfully begin and proceed toward completion on January 22^nd, and that’s precisely what’s going to happen,” justice Baird said.

Prosecutor Nick Barber told court the late venue change presents some logistical and cost challenges for Crown counsel associated with its police witnesses to testify in person.

Laroche remains in custody at Alouette Correctional Centre for Women in Maple Ridge.

She’ll appear in person for the BC Supreme Court trial.

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes