The first witnesses took the stand in the case against a young Toronto couple who allegedly murdered a Stoney Creek man in February 2021 and then fled the country.
The trial officially began Tuesday with jury selection and opening statements.
On Wednesday, the Crown began laying out its case against Yun (Lucy) Lu Li and Oliver Karafa.
The couple have been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in the killing of 39-year-old Tyler Pratt and shooting of Pratt’s then 26-year-old pregnant girlfriend Jordyn Romano.
Li and Karafa have pleaded not guilty.
READ MORE: Pair wanted for murder of Tyler Pratt have fled to Europe: Hamilton police
The court and 14 people in the jury box heard from witnesses. One focused on the layout of a Stoney Creek warehouse on Arvin Avenue, where police say the killing took place.
Court also heard that Li and Karafa invited the couple on Feb. 28, 2021 to see a property for sale that they were considering purchasing altogether as a business venture.
That’s where the Crown alleges Karafa shot the pair, killing Pratt in the parking lot. The Crown says Pratt had been expecting a payment from Karafa the following day, which were profits from a previous business investment.
Police say Li and Karafa, who were 25 and 28 at the time, boarded a plane and fled to Europe within 24 hours.
They were arrested in Budapest, Hungary six months later.
READ MORE: Pair wanted in Stoney Creek murder arrested in Hungary: Hamilton police
Li was extradited to Canada following her arrest, while Karafa attempted to fight the extradition. He eventually lost the case and was escorted to jail by Hamilton police in March 2022.
Li initially made bail, with her family posting $2.7 million, but later breached her conditions.
The couple left the courtroom Wednesday flanked by officers.
The eight-week trial is expected to continue Thursday with more witnesses from the Crown slated to take the stand.
READ MORE: Hamilton homicide suspect, Lucy Li, charged for breaching bail conditions