Guy Turcotte's murder trial loses a juror

The trial of a former Quebec doctor who is charged with murdering his children has lost a juror.

That means 11 people will now continue to hear the case against GuyTurcotte, who faces two counts of first-degree murder in the 2009 slayings of Olivier, 5, and Anne-Sophie, 3.

Quebec Superior Court Justice AndrVincent said he exercised his powers under the Criminal Code to free the juror. The reason for the dismissal cannot be made public.

A trial needs a minimum of 10 jurors to proceed.

The case will not sit Thursday and Friday, as another juror requires an operation for an injury sustained last weekend. Atrial cannot proceed with an absent juror.

Turcottehas pleaded not guilty to the charges but admitted through his lawyers last week to causing the children's deaths.