Jurors have several potential options as they weigh the fate of Michael Schweitzer.
Before beginning their deliberations Thursday, the seven-man, five-woman jury was told that findings of guilty or not guilty on first-degree murder and attempted murder are not the only choices they have.
Justice Thomas Heeney said that they could also find Schweitzer guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter instead of first-degree murder, or assault with a weapon instead of attempted murder, if they believe that is what the evidence proves.
As the jurors walked into the courtroom Thursday morning, Schweitzer attempted to make eye contact with each of them – something he rarely did during the testimony of the previous two-plus weeks.
Some jurors returned the eye contact, while others kept their heads down as they walked past the 25-year-old.
The charges against Schweitzer relate to a double shooting in his Milverton home on Dec. 4, 2012.
Seventeen-year-old Nicole Wagler was killed in the shooting, while Tyler Baker – who lived in the home with Schweitzer – was severely injured.
Schweitzer was placed under arrest less than a minute after police arrived at the scene.
The Crown contends that he was jealous Wagler seemed to be striking up a stronger relationship with Baker.
Defence lawyers have argued that there was no jealousy between the roommates, and that Baker shot Wagler before shooting himself.
Jurors deliberated for several hours Thursday afternoon before taking a dinner break, and were set to resume their duty in the evening.
Relatives of both Schweitzer and Wagler remained in the area around the Perth County Courthouse as they did so, waiting for any news from the second-floor room where the deliberations were taking place.
