Murder cases on hold

A pair of murder suspects returned to the courtroom Tuesday to learn how the legal aid boycott by Ontario's criminal lawyers might impact their cases.

Harold Barr, 49, and 38-year-old Eric Lindstrom are both facing charges of second degree murder in connection with separate homicides last year.

The lawyers association is asking the court to appoint local defence attorneys to represent the suspects at double the rate of pay now offered by Legal Aid.

On Tuesday the court heard Barr and Lindstrom have recently been offered the services of Legal Aid Ontario's own staff lawyer as a less costly alternative. The applications have been put on hold, pending the outcome of meetings between the suspects and the lawyer.

Barr was charged in August following the stabbing death of Robert Good, 49, at an Edward Street apartment building.

Lindstrom was arrested in March following the death of Norah Street resident Richard Ouimet.

The hearings will resume on Jan. 26.