Warning: this article may contain content that is distressing for some readers.
One of 14 jurors in the Nathaniel Veltman murder trial was dismissed on Monday.
Justice Renee Pomerance dismissed the juror after they reported they tested positive for COVID-19. Thirteen jurors are remaining and 12 will ultimately render the verdict at the end of the trial.
Before court proceeded, all court staff and jurors were offered masks to help protect themselves from a potential outbreak.
When proceedings began, forensic psychiatrist and expert witness for the defence, Dr. Julien Gojer, returned to the stand.
Defence lawyer Christopher Hicks is using his time with the doctor to delve into Veltman's brain and the effects of Psilocybin (mushrooms) on someone with multiple mental health issues.
On Thursday, he told the jury that Veltman had multiple mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, and a personality disorder.
Gojer explained that depending on the dosage and the person, magic mushrooms can cause a psychotic event, but he stressed that he doesn't believe Veltman was experiencing a psychotic event when he drove his truck into the Afzaal family.
During Veltman's testimony, he told the court he consumed a large amount of mushrooms on June 4, 2021, after hearing about the death of his great-grandmother.
Gojer testified that the effects of mushrooms generally last around four to six hours, but they are known to "trigger emotional states" that can linger after the effects of mushrooms have worn off.
On June 6, 2021, Talat Afzaal, 74, her son Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, and their daughter Yumnah, 15, were all killed. Salman and Madiha's son, who was nine at the time, was the only survivor.
During his time on the stand, Veltman testified to being in a "dream-like state" and feeling detached from his body leading up to the crash.
Gojer testified Veltman's behaviour after driving into the family and during the first interview with police could have been a "drug-induced hypomanic state." He also stated that his behaviour could be that he felt satisfied with what he did, and that led to a more elevated mood.
Veltman has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and corresponding terrorism charges.
During the afternoon court session, Justice Pomerance called a voir dire to determine the admissibility of some of Gojer's evidence. The information discussed is subject to a publication ban.
The jury will return at 11 a.m. Tuesday to hear the rest of Gojer's testimony.
- with files from Tamara Thornton