SYDNEY, N.S. - A panel that will hear evidence in the trial of a reservist accused of fatally shooting another Canadian soldier is expected to be sworn-in on Tuesday.
Cpl. Matthew Wilcox, 23, a reservist from Glace Bay, N.S., faces charges including manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death in the March 2007 shooting of Cpl. Ronald Kevin Megeney. The 25-year-old native of Stellarton, N.S., was shot in his tent at Kandahar.
To date, the court martial has been dealing with legal arguments heard under a publication ban.
Lt.-Col. Troy Sweet, the defence lawyer, says he expects final arguments on the admissibility of evidence will be made Tuesday, which the judge must still rule on.
"The judge will take time to render a decision with respect to the evidence and the trial proper will begin Wednesday," he explained.
Sweet said after the decision is made on the admissibility of some testimony, he expects the panel will be sworn-in and they may begin hearing evidence on Wednesday.
More than 100 witnesses could testify over the next eight weeks.
Sweet said he expected the prosecution's case will require several weeks.
It will be the first time the case against Wilcox is completely outlined in open court.
Sweet said his client has "been through a long process."
"He wants his day in court, and it's taken a long time to go through the procedures. It's been going on for a long time."
