Newfoundland man convicted in death of good Samaritan shot during robbery

Defence lawyers called it a “devastating day” for both families involved, and said they may appeal.

At the time of the killing, Phillips was dating Jade Ball, daughter of Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball.

Earlier this week, the premier won an interim injunction preventing media outlets from publishing a story about certain court documents in the case, pending a Dec. 19 hearing.

In a statement, the premier’s lawyer said that Ball “as a private citizen, provided information of his own accord to the police regarding a “homicide” in October 2015.

The statement says the premier recognizes his actions “are now arguably a matter of public interest,” but says “as a father, he has acted to protect the privacy of an innocent person”, and he could not comment further on the matter.

The documents in question were not provided to the jury.

Ball had told reporters he would be willing to take the stand at the murder trial but was never called to testify.

The Phillips case will return to court next Friday to set a date for sentencing. He faces a minimum of 10 years before any chance of parole.

(VOCM)

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Newfoundland man convicted in death of good Samaritan shot during robbery

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