Paxton verdict expected, Rietze murder trial to begin

All eyes will be on the Calgary Courthouse on Monday as the trial of Dustin Paxton comes to a close.

The 32-year-old is accused of torturing and sexually assaulting his former roommate and co-worker over an 18-month period between 2008 and 2010.

Court of Queen's Bench Justice Sheilah Martin will rule on a stay application by the defence on the grounds their client did not receive a fair trial.

In the application, Paxton's lawyer says there was evidence of police coaching a witness called to testify against the accused.

If Martin agrees, it could be grounds to allow the Calgary man to go free; a verdict will be announced no matter what the outcome of the stay application.

Paxton's trial began in September and has lasted four-and-a-half months.

The application saw the unusual step of lawyers from both sides being called to testify as well as a whole new set of attorneys being called in for the application.

It's one of two high-profile cases to be heard on Monday in Calgary.

The two-week first degree murder trial of Bradley Wade Rietze is expected to get underway after an adjournment last fall.

Rietze is accused of killing his 17-year-old stepdaughter Brittney McInnes.

The Grade 12 student's body was found stuffed in a box spring inside their Canyon Meadows home in January of 2010.

Investigators have not revealed how the teenager died but believe she had been left there for sometime.

Hours before she was discovered, Rietze was taken to hospital complaining of breathing problems and had scratches on his neck and face.

He told police someone had broken into the family home.

Rietze has obtained high-profile defence lawyer Alain Heppner who requested the case be adjourned last November so his client could undergo psychiatric testing.

A publication ban has been put in place on any new information regarding the delay.

The two had lived together for more than 13 years, along with McInnes' mother and two siblings.

If convicted as charged, he could face a life sentence of 25 years with no chance of parole.