The trial for accused triple-murderer and Airdrie-area resident Douglas Garland began in Calgary Jan. 16.
Garland is facing three first-degree murder charges in connection to the disappearance of Alvin and Kathy Liknes and their five-year-old grandson Nathan O’Brien two and a half years ago.
On June 30, 2014, Jennifer O’Brien, Nathan’s mother, went to the Liknes’ home in southwest Calgary to pick up her son after he had an impromptu sleepover, but no one was home.
Pools of blood and bloodstains were found in various places throughout the house.
At the time of the family’s disappearance, Garland was living on his parents’ farm in rural Airdrie. It is believed the accused’s three victims were taken from their home and killed on the farm, although the bodies have not been found. Garland was arrested approximately two weeks after the family went missing.
The trial is scheduled for five weeks and will include testimonies from approximately 60 witnesses. The jury includes 11 men and three women.
- with files from Ian Tennant
