By Canadian Press

Murder convictions thrown out against three Prince George-area men

Jun 7, 2019 | 3:06 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Murder convictions against three Prince George-area men have been thrown out and a new trial has been ordered after the B-C Court of Appeal found the jury that convicted the trio was given confusing and incorrect instructions.

In a unanimous decision, the high court sets aside the first-degree murder convictions for Lyle Baker and Dustin Lindgren, and a second-degree conviction for Kevin Zaporoski.

The three were found guilty of the 2012 slaying of 22-year-old Jordan Reno and were convicted in 2017, but the Court of Appeal finds the judge’s directions to the jury failed to “provide them with a proper sequential framework” to assess guilt or innocence.

The Appeal Court panel also found the judge incorrectly allowed the jury to consider some of the D-N-A and blood evidence when deciding on the intent of the three men.

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