First week of Bonnell murder trial wraps up

The first-degree murder trial of 32-year-old Curtis Bonnell has wrapped up its first week in Miramichi court.

Bonnell, 32, of the Esgenoopetitj First Nation in northeastern New Brunswick, is charged with the first-degree murder of 16-year-old Hilary, his first cousin.

Bonnell has pleaded not guilty to the incident that happened three years ago.

The focus of testimony Friday was establishing where the accused was in the early morning hours of Sept. 5, 2009, the last day Hilary was seen alive.

Curtis Bonnell's first cousin, Dean Bonnell,testified Friday saying he was with Bonnell most of that night.

Dean testified that the two visited several parties but said the details were a bit fuzzy since they had a lot to drink that night.

Also, the presiding judge, Justice Fred Ferguson,raised concerns about details that cannot be reported showing up on social media sites.

Ferguson warned that sharing details could compromise the case.

He warned both members of the professional media and all others in the court roommay not make details public when the jury is not there to hear them, sayingthere could be serious consequences if this warning is not heeded.

Next week, Bonnell's sister Diana, police and civilian witnesses will take the stand.