Prosecution closes case at trial of man accused of murdering Pat Stay
The trial of Adam Drake, a 34-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing battle rapper Pat Stay at a Halifax nightclub, is nearing its conclusion in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The prosecution has wrapped up its case, and closing arguments are set to begin on Thursday afternoon.
The trial, which began in mid-May, has seen multiple days of testimony from witnesses. Stay, who was 36 at the time of his death, was stabbed inside the Yacht Club Social on September 4, 2022. Surveillance footage presented to the jury showed Stay being attacked, stumbling to the floor, and then exiting the club before collapsing.
Adam Drake has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. His defense lawyer, Michael Lacy, announced that he would not be calling any evidence in the trial. Crown attorney Tanya Carter confirmed on Tuesday that the prosecution had finished presenting its case.
Once closing arguments are heard, the defense will have the opportunity to make their final statements on Friday. Justice Scott Norton is expected to provide instructions to the jury on Monday before they begin deliberating a verdict.
The tragic incident has gripped the community, with a roadside memorial set up in memory of Pat Stay on Portland Street in Dartmouth. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by all those affected by the loss of the talented rapper.
Richard Cuthbertson, a journalist with CBC Nova Scotia, has been covering the trial. He can be reached at richard.cuthbertson@cbc.ca for any further inquiries or information.
As the Nova Scotia Supreme Court prepares for the conclusion of this high-profile case, the community awaits the verdict that will bring closure to this tragic chapter in Halifax’s history.
