THUNDER BAY – The trial of the final suspect charged in connection with a fatal home invasion four years ago is underway.
The second-degree murder trial for Shaldon Wabason, who is charged in the March 2011 death of 54-year-old Thunder Bay man Robert Topping, is scheduled to last for three weeks at the Thunder Bay Courthouse with as many as 25 witnesses possibly being called to give testimony.
The jury, which is composed of six men and six women, was selected on Monday which was followed by opening arguments by both the Crown and defence.
On Tuesday the Crown began presenting their case against Wabason, which included testimony from multiple Thunder Bay Police Service officers who were involved in the investigation of the March 19, 2011 incident at the Minnesota Street residence.
The officers testified Topping was called to the residence to assist the occupant because she believed the house was about to be broken into. Forensic evidence at the scene indicated the door of the house appeared to be kicked in.
Topping became involved in an altercation with the suspects immediately after arriving. He was rushed to hospital by paramedics where he died shortly after as a result of stab wounds. The court was shown images of what appeared to be blood stains throughout the house.
Four individuals were charged in the case. Wabason and Nicholas Webber were arrested the afternoon following the incident while police arrested Christopher Hawk and Cody Thompson shortly afterwards.
Webber pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2013. Hawk pleaded guilty to robbery in 2012 and the murder charge was dropped. Charges against Thompson were withdrawn following his death eight days after being rushed to hospital from the Thunder Bay District Jail.
