What the jury didn't hear during Zakkary Reed's murder trial
Zakkary Reed, 32, was accused of murdering Alexander Bishop
There was a lot the jury didn't hear during Zakkary Reed's first-degree murder trial — like the reasons behind the repeated delays.
The 12-member jury in Saint John began deliberations shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday following final instructions from Justice Kathryn Gregory.
Reed, 32, was accused of killing Alexander Bishop, 38, on Aug. 20, 2023. Reed admitted shooting Bishop at a building on King Street East but said it was self-defence.
Starting on Jan. 6, the jury heard from 32 witnesses over about three weeks, including Reed, the only defence witness.
But there were times the jury wasn't present, and the presentation of testimony was delayed.
While some delays were for the usual legal issues that arise during a trial, others were not so typical — and most were caused by Reed.
Three days into the trial, Reed said he was feeling faint because he didn't like the lunch packed for him by the jail staff — and he refused the protein bars offered to him instead.
The jury was sent home early that day.
The next week, on Jan. 14, the jury was sent home because Reed had a headache.
Then, first thing on the morning of Jan. 16, Reed said he had a toothache and couldn't continue. The jury was sent away until the afternoon, and Reed was taken back to the jail to get painkillers.
Just before the jury was invited into the courtroom that afternoon, Reed said he was still in too much pain to continue.
The judge suggested they carry on for an hour and then take a break.
"If I have to sit here and endure the pain, I'm going to become unruly," Reed said.
Gregory asked defence lawyer Annie Maltais if she wanted more time to talk to her client.
Reed responded, "There's nothing to say."
Reed said he would create "an outburst" if made to continue.
Gregory explained that the entire jury had already been sent away so many times.
"Mr. Reed, I'm going to ask you to hang in there for an hour," Gregory said.
Reed said he wanted it "on the record" that "I'm being held against my will."
They made it through about an hour of a witness who started his testimony the previous day but then the jury was sent home for the day.
Jurors were also given the following day off so Reed could get his tooth pulled.
Standing ovation for Crown from accused
The jury also missed the standing ovation Reed gave Crown prosecutor Elaina Campbell for her final address to the jury.
Immediately after Campbell finished her summation on Wednesday morning, the jury walked out of the courtroom to take a break.
Just as the door to the jury room closed, Reed, who was still on his feet, started clapping slowly and loudly as he looked right at Campbell.
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