Lawyer for former prostitute 'puzzled' prosecution is pursuing 3rd murder trial

The lawyer for a former Calgary prostitute set to go to trial a third time on a charge of second-degree murder says he can't understand why theCrown is pursuing the case.

"I had hoped that the Crown would take a second look at this case and stay these charges," said defence lawyer Jim Lutz. "I am puzzled ... it's a real head scratcher."

• 3rd murder trial ordered for Calgary prostitute who fatally stabbed client

Crystal Crowchild was originally charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Aref Selman Nassereddine, 64, in his home in the Rosscarrock neighbourhood in 2010.

A second-degree murder conviction comes with a life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 years but inmates are allowed to apply for day parole after seven years. When Crowchild's third trial rolls around in October2018, she will have spent seven years in custody.

Crowchild was twice convicted of second-degree murder and each time, the Alberta Court of Appeal overturned those convictions.

Crowchild was first convicted of murder in 2013 and then again inFebruary2016. Both times those convictions were overturned after it was ruled the trial judges failed to properly instruct the juries.

'A third time?'

"A third time is quite unusual ... it does not happen often," said Lutz, who believes the case is no longer in the public's interest to pursue.

Even the judge who booked next year's trial seemed surprised.

"A third time?" asked Court of Queen's Bench Justice Glen Poelman.

Lutz says he will try to get Crowchild out on bail and plans to make a Jordan application which if successful, which would see Crowchild's charge stayed based on the violation of an accused person's Charter right to be tried within a reasonable time.

Body discovered by wife and child

In March 2010, Crowchild who was 25 years old at the time admitted to stabbing her client but has always claimed self defence.

She testified she felt threatened when he followed her after she'd refused certain sexual deeds. She stabbed him several times in his home. Nassereddine's body was discovered by his wife and six-year-olddaughter

After she was convicted last year, Crowchild was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.

Lutz says his client had gotten her hopes up and is disappointed at the Crown's decision to move ahead.

The Crown was not immediately available for comment.

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