The first-degree murder trial of the man accused in the sword attack in Quebec City on Halloween 2020 has been postponed for the second time due to COVID-19.

Quebec Superior Court Judge Richard Greiner postponed the case today until Wednesday, when the judge said the third and final juror who tested positive for the disease would return from isolation.
Carl Girouard was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Suzanne Clermont, 61, and François Duchesne, 56, in Old Quebec neighborhood on October 31, 2020. He was also charged with five counts of attempted murder.

The judge told the jurors that Girouard admitted to killing two people and injuring five others with a sword but would say he was not criminally responsible because he was suffering from a mental disorder.

The Crown finished its case against Girouard, 26, last Thursday, and the third juror tested positive after that session. According to criminal law, the jury must consist of at least 10 members to deliver a verdict.

Greiner told the jury today that this is the first time in his 50-year legal career that he is involved in a trial that has seen many delays, but he said he is confident the trial will be completed.