Crown paints picture of a planned robbery gone wrong in Regina manslaughter trial

The shot that killed Andre JosephAubertin, 56, was fired duringa robbery by Michael ElwinGoodpipeand an acquaintance, the Crown prosecutor said during his opening statements at Goodpipe's trial for manslaughter.

The jury trial ofGoodpipebegan Monday at the Court of Queen's Bench in Regina.

Goodpipehaspleaded not guilty to manslaughter in connection with Aubertin's 2016 death.Aubertindied in hospital after he was found badly injured at1056 Princess Street.

Crown prosecutor Mitchell Miller opened his case before the jury in the afternoon.

"Mr Aubertin was hit in the chest by the shotgun blast," Miller said.

However, he suggested Goodpipe was not the one holding the gun.

"So, how is he guilty of manslaughter?"

Acquaintance carried shotgun, says Crown

Miller suggested that Goodpipe and an associate planned to rob Aubertin on the morning of March29, 2016. He offeredtwo potential reasons for the robbery: adrug debt collection or simply totake any cash or drugs the man might have had.

The Crown plans to prove that Goodpipe knew that committing a robbery would put a Aubertin at risk of something more than brief or trivial harm.

Goodpipe went to 915 Argyle Street that day and met his acquaintance, Miller said, adding it was the acquaintance who had the shotgun. Miller suggested the weaponwas to be used for intimidation. Furthermore, he said it was loaded before the two men walked to Aubertin's home.

Upon arrival, Miller said the men were let in by the deceased's common-law partner and thatGoodpipe had been there a few times before.

According to Miller, Goodpipe asked to use the phone and that's when his acquaintance allegedly pointed the shotgun at Aubertin and said "what you got?"

Miller suggested Aubertinwas shot in the chest as he began to raise his arms.

Police testimony

Goodpipehas also pleaded not guilty to attempted theft ofcash or goods fromAubertin.

After the Crown's opening remarks, court heard from five police officers who responded to the initial weapons offence call, as well as the callsthat came in after related to the tracking of suspects.

The jury of 12 and two alternates for the trial were chosen by noon on Monday.Dozens of potential jurors answered summons to hear the trial andthere was standing room only in the courtroom during the selection.

Justice Jeff Kalmakoff thanked all of those prospective jurors who attended.

Miller expects to call 18 witnesses and the trial is expected to last about 10 days.