In a dramatic conclusion to a case that has captivated Edmonton for years, Michael White has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in the 2019 death of Thi Bich Ha Thu Nguyen. The verdict came after the jury spent approximately 24 hours deliberating over three days.
The trial heard compelling evidence from both sides, including White's own emotional testimony where he admitted to moving Nguyen's body but maintained he did not cause her death. The 44-year-old broke down in tears as the verdict was read, marking the end of a legal ordeal that began nearly five years ago.
The Crime That Shook Edmonton
Nguyen's body was discovered in a ditch near Range Road 20 and Township Road 540 on May 8, 2019. The prosecution argued that White had killed Nguyen during what they described as a "methamphetamine-fueled rage" following a sexual encounter. However, the defense successfully challenged this narrative.
Defense lawyer Rory Ziv painted a different picture, suggesting Nguyen died from a drug overdose and that White panicked, making the fateful decision to dispose of her body rather than call for help. This version of events ultimately resonated with the jury.
A Complex Legal Battle
The path to this verdict was anything but straightforward. White was initially convicted in 2021, but that decision was overturned by the Alberta Court of Appeal in 2023. The court cited concerns about the original trial judge's instructions to the jury regarding White's post-offense conduct.
During the retrial, the courtroom heard extensive arguments about forensic evidence and witness testimony. The prosecution's case relied heavily on White's admitted actions after Nguyen's death, while the defense emphasized the lack of direct evidence linking him to her actual death.
Emotional Courtroom Scenes
The trial featured several emotionally charged moments, particularly when White took the stand in his own defense. His testimony provided jurors with a firsthand account of the events surrounding Nguyen's death and his subsequent actions.
As the not guilty verdict was announced, visible relief washed over White and his legal team. The decision brings closure to a case that has been working its way through Alberta's justice system for half a decade.
This verdict underscores the complexities of criminal cases where direct evidence is limited and highlights the crucial role jury deliberation plays in Canada's justice system. For both the White and Nguyen families, the legal journey has reached its conclusion, though the human impact of this tragedy will undoubtedly linger.
