Joel Clow's murder trial adjourned as lawyer resigns abruptly

The lawyer for Joel Clow promptly resigned on the opening day of Clow's trial for first-degree murder on Tuesday.

"A matter has come up that makes it impossible for me to continue," Thane MacEachern told the court.

"It is an ethical matter Mr. Clow is refusing to accept my advice."

Joel LawrenceClow, 47, of Pleasant Grove, P.E.I.,haspleaded not guilty to first-degree murderand one count of indecent interference with a human body.

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Clowwas arrested by Queen'sRCMPlast July, following thediscovery of the bodyofTraciLynn Lynch, 40, at a wooded residential property on Route 220 in the Queen's County community of Pleasant Grove.

Lynch was originally fromPictou, N.S.,and had beenliving in Pleasant Grove with her young son.

Crown asks for trial to go on

Crown prosecutor Cindy Wedge opposed any delay in the trial, despite the defence lawyer's withdrawal.

"There's a victim's bill of rights in Canada," Wedge told Supreme Court Justice Wayne Cheverie.

"The mother of Traci Lynch is in court today. She travelled from Nova Scotia.They have a great desire to see this finished.We have six witnesses ready to testify today."

Cheverie told the court he must accept the defence lawyer's right to withdraw and, according to case law, he cannot ask for any more details behind his decision.

Clow, in handcuffs and leg irons, was seated in the court room beside his lawyer.

The judge had a question for him.

"Mr. Clow, are you prepared to find another lawyer to represent you in this matter?"

"Yes, I am," Clow replied.

Trial will take longer than scheduled

About two dozen people were seated in the public gallery of the court room.They had been waiting more than an hour for the trial to begin, while the lawyers met behind closed doors with the judge in his chambers.

After questioning Clow, Cheverie addressed the court.

"Three weeks have been set aside for this trial," he said.

"Based on the number of witnesses, I suspect that won't be enough time. This trial will take more like five weeks."

The case has been adjourned until June 20. Clow has until then to find a new lawyer, but Cheveriesaid the new lawyer will need time to prepare, so it is uncertain when the trial will resume.

'Emotions may run high'

Clow has remained in custody since his arrest last year.

Clowarrived at P.E.I. Supreme Court in Charlottetown shortly after 9 a.m. in the back of a correctional services van.The van entered the building through a parking garage under surveillance of security cameras.

While the lawyers were conferring with the judge before MacEachern's withdrawal from the case,the courthouse sheriffbriefed those in thepublicgallery on what may lie ahead.

"Emotions may run high," said chief sheriff Ron Dowling,

"Some of you may find this trial difficult. But the judge will not tolerate disruptive outbursts.If that happens, you may be asked to leave and not allowed to return The court welcomesyou hereto see justice done."

Clow is also charged with uttering threats and interfering with a police officer, in connection with an incident that took place a few months before Lynch died. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges as well.This trial will also deal with those charges.

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