About two months after a first-degree murder trial concluded in Windsor, Ont., one juror took the “highly unusual” step of sending a letter to the man he helped convict, asking for a meeting.
In June, a jury from the Superior Court of Justice found Glen Mayer guilty of first-degree murder, resulting in an automatic life sentence without parole for 25 years.
On Monday, relatives of Tony Bechara – who was fatally shot at home on Jan. 20, 2024, after Mayer discovered Bechara was having an affair with his wife – were prepared to deliver their victim impact statements before sentencing.
Instead, the defense presented a motion requesting what’s known as a judicial inquiry based on this letter.
The typed letter, obtained by , was directed at Mayer and asked for a meeting “perhaps to discuss some things with respect to your current circumstances.”
“I have some observations I’d like to share with you as well, and I’d be interested in your feedback on those things,” it reads.
The person’s name and contact details were redacted from the court document and did not identify them as a juror in the letter.
Defense Questions If Verdict Was ‘Compromised’
During the trial, it was revealed that early on Jan. 20, 2024, Mayer learned about his wife’s affair with Bechara. He left his La Salle home armed with his registered handgun and drove to Belle River to confront Bechara.
Mayer testified that during their confrontation they yelled at each other until Bechara brandished a knife and approached him. That’s when Mayer drew his weapon and shot Bechara multiple times.
Hours later, Mayer surrendered himself at the La Salle police station accompanied by his father.
Defense attorney Julianna Greenspan says she plans to appeal Mayer’s conviction. (Jason Viau/CBC)
Mayer’s lawyer, Julianna Greenspan, remarked that the letter introduces a “highly unusual, very concerning dynamic.”
Since both Mayer and the juror involved heard identical evidence during the trial, Greenspan expressed concern that this letter suggests there could be “information” referenced beyond what transpired in court.
“It does suggest on its face that there is extraneous information that this juror is wanting and hoping to share privately with Mr. Mayer,” said Greenspan.
If any outside information influenced this juror or the jury during deliberations, she argued it could have “tainted the verdict.”
Jurors Can’t Share Info Not Discussed Publicly
Canada’s Criminal Code states that if a juror reveals information related to proceedings not shared publicly during court sessions they can be found “guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.”
“Jurors are supposed to deliberate privately; no outside influence can breach that,” explained Greenspan.
After nearly two hours of hearing arguments from both sides Justice J. Ross Macfarlane took a 20-minute break before dismissing the request for a judicial review.
He stated that there wasn’t enough credible evidence presented by the defense indicating this jury had been exposed to external information.
Surveillance footage shows Mayer turning himself into La Salle Police Service on Jan. 20, 2024. A jury convicted him of killing Tony Bechara. (Superior Court of Justice)
Macfarlane also questioned why Greenspan waited so long if she truly had concerns regarding the letter’s implications since it was received by South West Detention Centre exactly two months after trial ended-on August 26th.
Lawyer Consults Others Over Unusual Letter
Greenspan clarified in court she sought advice from various individuals due to how unusual this correspondence was.
She mentioned reaching out directly to determine whether he indeed served as a juror while trying to understand what he intended.
The juror replied via email stating they have “no information or details on the aforementioned case Mr. Mayer was involved with whatsoever, other than what I was entrusted with during my involvement as a member of that particular jury.”
They added they still wanted an individual meeting with Mayer without lawyers present.
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Greenspan noted that compared to the first message the second reply came across more cautious and measured; written more like legal correspondence.</ p CLASS=She asserted it’s crucial we look into these matters further.” p >
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