Home / Crime and Justice / Witness Describes Fatal Shooting Outside Coffee Shop
Witness Describes Fatal Shooting Outside Coffee Shop
2 Oct
Summary
- Eyewitness saw shooter fire at victim near Tim Hortons.
- Officer found victim bleeding, saying he was dying.
- Accused denies second degree murder charge; trial continues.
The second-degree murder trial of Zachary McDermott heard testimony from its first civilian witness on Thursday. Robert Dawson, a retired trucker, testified that he observed the victim, Christopher Clements-Card, walking with his brother before a car entered the Tim Hortons parking lot and shots were fired.
Dawson stated he had a clear view of the incident, witnessing the shooter depart in the car. He also described the victim being dragged into the coffee shop. However, under cross-examination, Dawson admitted the event occurred eight years prior and he might be mistaken about certain details.
The first responding officer, Det.-Const. Evan Bertin, described the chaotic scene upon entering the coffee shop, finding the victim severely injured and expressing he was dying. The officer performed chest compressions until paramedics arrived, but the victim had already lost vital signs.
At the hospital, the victim was rushed to surgery but was later pronounced dead from two gunshot wounds to the back. Zachary McDermott, 26, was arrested days later and has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder charge. The trial is scheduled to continue on Monday morning.
