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Murder trial begins for gang slaying

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 09/4/2012 2:36 PM | Last Modified: 09/4/2012 5:37 PM | Updates

Shawn Beauchamp was found lying in the snow in January 2009. (SUPPLIED PHOTO / ARCHIVES)

The trial of a man accused of pulling the trigger in a gang-related shooting is now underway.

Joseph Burnell Head is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 26-year-old Shawn Beauchamp, who was found lying in the snow in January 2009 with a gunshot wound to the back.

Head has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His fate will be determined by a 12-person jury, which began hearing evidence on the trial's opening day on Tuesday.

Crown attorney Mike Desautels told the jury that they will hear evidence that Head, who the Crown alleges was a member of the Indian Posse, was one of several men that came across a group of members of the Bloods gang near the corner of St. John's Avenue and Charles Street that night.

The Crown believes that a fight broke out, during which Beauchamp -- a Bloods member -- was pepper sprayed. After Beauchamp fell to the ground, the Crown alleges Head shot him in the back.

Beauchamp was rushed to hospital, but died of his wounds.

Head is considered innocent of the charges until proven guilty. His trial is expected to last roughly three weeks.