NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. -- When some of the media crews arrived Friday to begin another day of waiting while a jury deliberated the fate of accused serial-killer Robert Pickton, they discovered a Christmas tree with lights, a fancy glass tree-topper -- and 26 angels.
Who put the decorated fir tree on the plaza outside the courthouse in New Westminster is a mystery. It seems to have happened overnight.
Lilliane Beaudoin, the sister of victim Diane Rock, looks at one of 26 angels on Christmas tree outside New Westminster courthouse Friday.
But the 26 angels made of lace and cloth, undoubtedly representing the 26 first-degree murder counts against Pickton, buoyed the spirits of the family and friends of some of the victims who have been waiting for a verdict since last Friday.
Pickton is awaiting a verdict on six of the charges in a trial that began in January. He is to face a second trial on the remaining 20 counts later.
"It's absolutely awesome," said Marilyn Kraft, mother of Cynthia Feliks, one of the women named on the second 20-count indictment. "The 26 angels are a godsend to our spirits."
Kraft, who lives in Calgary and has been awaiting a verdict along with several friends and family members of other deceased women, said she picked out one of the angels as representing her daughter.
"I picked one out and she said, 'This one's me, mom.' "
The tree provided a break from the tension that prevailed Thursday when jury deliberations were put on hold temporarily until the judge clarified his instructions.
-- The Canadian Press
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