Family members devastated after accused murderer bails on guilty plea

Grieving parents who showed up at court Tuesday believing the man charged with their daughter's murder was going to take responsibility, feel like they were "slapped in the face" after he bailed on the guilty plea at the last second.

Jonathon Martin is charged with first-degreemurderin the death of his former girlfriend Chelsea Serpentini-Harty, 24.

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"We're really disappointed with what happened in the courtroom today," saida tearfulTerryHarty, Chelsea'sfather. "Now we're back to square one again and it's very emotional.

"It's like being slapped in the face."

'One of those kind souls'

Martin and Serpentini-Hartyhad been dating for eight months and were living together in a basement suite in the city's northeast whenSerpentini-Harty's body was found in the homeby policeon Aug. 26, 2015.

"Our daughter was one of those kind souls, she interacted with people that nobody else wanted to be around," said Harty."She loved stray animals, she loved stray people."

At his last court appearance, Martin indicated hewanted to plead guilty right away. After meeting with his lawyer, Cory Wilson, Martin agreed to hold off until today's date.

Prosecutors Hyatt Mograbee andKirsti Binnsworked with Wilson to prepare for the plea only to have Martin change his mind moments before court began. A trial date will now be set on Friday.

'Piece of s**t'

As he walked in to the prisoners' box and then back out of the courtroom, Martin looked over at his alleged victim's family members, making eye contact.

Unable to contain herself,Serpentini-Harty's mother, Toni Hartyshouted at the man she believes responsible for her daughter's death.

"Piece of shit, bastard," she yelled.

Afterwards, in the courthouse lobby, Toni channelled her anger.

"Hopefully we'll get a better outcome down the road," she said. "We're going to fight for her, for all those parents who have lost their kids through murder."

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