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First witnesses called in North Okanagan murder trial

Lynda Saundry charged with 1st degree murder of Barry Jones in 2020
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Lynda Saundry, born 1961, is charged with the murder of North Okanagan resident Barry Jones in July 2020. (Facebook photo)

Update 2:30 p.m.

The first witness was called to the stand on March 4 in the Supreme Court murder trial for Vernon’s Lynda Saundry.

On day one of the 20-day trial, Crown Counsel stated to the judge that it wasn’t a question of whether or not she was involved in the death of Barry Jones, but rather her intention and whether or not she acted in self-defence.

Jones, 55, and Saundry were known to each other, reportedly dating and living together at the time of Jones’ death.

Jones was found dead at his home on July 30, 2020, after he had suffered three gunshot wounds.

Crown called the first individual to the stand, a friend of Jones’ who had been at the Emery Louis Road home the evening before Jones’ death. The witness testified that he drank a few beers with Jones while Saundry was also at the home before leaving later that evening.

Saundry asked to make a statement after the witness had left but was told no.

The defence called into question the credibility of the first witness before the court adjourned for lunch.

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Original:

A long-awaited murder trial for a Vernon woman is finally taking place.

Lynda Saundry is charged with first-degree murder of Barry Jones, whose body was found in an Emery Louis Road home near Round Lake on Okanagan Indian Band land on July 30, 2020.

Saundry, born in 1961, is starting day one of her trial, which is scheduled until March 24 at the Kelowna Law Courts.

Jones, 55, and Saundry were known to each other.

This is the second North Okanagan murder trial taking place in Kelowna in as many weeks.

READ MORE: Admissability of evidence tested ahead of North Okanagan murder trial

READ MORE: Guilty plea from man accused of 2021 Spallumcheen murder



Jennifer Smith

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