Lukas Strasser-Hird murder trial will go ahead despite Nathan Gervias's disappearance

Though the prisoners box might be less crowded, the murder trial in connection with the swarming death of Lukas Strasser-Hird will go on as scheduled.

Nathan PaulGervais, 21 one of five people charged with murder in the 2013stabbing death behind a Calgary nightclub has been on the lamfor at least 10 days.

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Crown prosecutor KenMcCaffrey,Justice GlenPoelmanand lawyers for the five accused met on Monday afternoon.

Gervais's lawyer, AlainHepner,has saidhe has no information regarding his client's whereabouts.

Before the jury is selected on Thursday, the lawyers and judge will meet once more onWednesdayafternoon.

The trial is set to begin on Monday but will be invoirdire a hearing to decide the admissibility of evidence without the jury present for the first two days.

IfGervaisis captured after the trial begins, a second murder trial will be scheduled.

Canada-wide warrants issued

Gervais faces the most serious charge first-degree murder while the others are each charged with second-degree murder.

Gervaishadbeen granted bail and was under 24-hour house arrest, but when police checked on himat his home on April 16he wasn't there. Officers have not been able to track him down.

Canada-wide warrants have been issued forGervais's arrest and anyone who had contact with him is asked to call police.

Another accused FranzCabrerahad his bail revoked in November after he was charged with drug-related offences.

The three others accused inStrasser-Hird'sdeath areJochSimonPouk,AssmarRyiadShlahand Jordan LeeLiao.

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