The Defense in the Guido Amsel case called its final witness Thursday, as the trial surrounding the accused letter bomber nears its conclusion.
Amsel and his ex-wife Iris’ longtime friend Georgie Olga Marie Zacharias testified handwriting on an envelope was consistent with the style of Guido, Iris and their son.
Amsel has pleaded not guilty to five counts of attempted murder and several explosives related charges after letter bombs were sent to two Winnipeg law offices and his ex-wife’s workplace in July 2015. Amsel is also being tried on charges in connection with an explosion at his ex-wife’s home in 2013.
During the trial which began in October, court heard testimony from a number of witnesses, including police officers at the scene of the explosion, a forensic chemist specializing in explosives, and from victim Maria Mitousis. The Winnipeg lawyer lost her right hand in July 2015 when a digital voice recorder detonated while she was holding it.
"I picked it up and looked at it,” Mitousis testified. "I assumed it was something personal."
Mitousis told court she opened the package with a pair of scissors. She testified she hesitated before activating the recorder. "All I could think about was what was going to be said,” she said. "So I pressed the button."
Amsel also took the stand in his own defense Wednesday, testifying that he has never sent an explosive to anybody. The 51-year-old told court that he doesn't have any knowledge in building explosives and that he did not send a pouch, note, or voice recorder to Mitousis in July 2015.
Both sides are expected to give their closing arguments on Dec. 19.
- With files from Josh Crabb
