Man accused of killing Halifax teen elects judge-alone murder trial

A 26-year-old Halifax man has opted for a judge-alone trial on a charge of second-degree murder.

The lawyer for Treyton Alexander Marsman announced the re-election during an appearance in Nova Scotia Supreme Court Thursday morning.

Murder trials are ordinarily heard before a judge and jury, but lawyer Michael Lacy said his client wanted his case heard by a judge alone.

Marsman appeared by video from prison and confirmed his choice to Justice Christa Brothers.

He is accused of killing his cousin, Devon Sinclair Marsman, who was 16 at the time of his death.

Devon Marsman was last seen on Feb. 24, 2022 in the Halifax suburb of Spryfield. He was reported missing the following week. His body was discovered in February of last year.

Treyton Marsman was not charged until last year. In addition to the murder charge, he's also charged with indignity to human remains and obstructing justice.

Four other people have also been charged in relation to Devon Marsman's death.

Following his not guilty plea, dates were set for Treyton Marsman's trial. It won't start until the middle of January 2027 and will run for four consecutive weeks.

Lacy lamented the amount of time his client will have to wait.

"It is very unfortunate that your court and judicial resources are that taxed," he told Justice Brothers.