TORONTO - Six counts of attempted murder have been withdrawn against the first person to stand trial in the 2005 Boxing Day shooting death of Jane Creba.
The man, who can only be identified as J.S.R., still faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of the 15-year-old Toronto student and various weapons charges.
But the jury heard today that the attempted murder charges have been withdrawn and replaced with the lesser offence of aggravated assault.
Justice Ian Nordheimer told the jury the change should not influence them on the other charges.
Creba was killed in the crossfire of a brazen gun battle between two groups while shopping with her family in downtown Toronto.
The Crown is expected to deliver its final arguments next Tuesday, followed by the defence on Wednesday before the judge instructs the jury and deliberations begin, possibly on Thursday.
