Hello and thanks to all that play your varied roles - from researcher, to scribe, empath, instigator...
I've been reading every post since the beginning of TB's trial and only registered today. I appreciate the time all spend here, particularly those that move the discussion and facts forward. Apologies for the long post but I've been holding my thoughts all this time!
IMO, Millard meets M1, however my theory is different from what I often see here. I agree the eliminator was intended as an 'evidence disposal device', whether a body, personal contents of a stolen vehicle, or whatever other post-mission evidence might need to go away, but unlikely purchased with Laura in mind. They were always on missions. It was just another flashy ego-stroking grand-plan purchase that may or may not have been fully thought out despite the work and money spent on it, (like the jeep, the excavator in the mud, etc.). Yes it seems more nefarious than the rest, but we still question the excavator's purpose and it's reasonable to believe there are other dark happenings not reflected in the texts or witnesses we've seen.
I believe Laura's death was planned, but more hastily. We've heard she had a tendency to provoke or lash out at friends when under stress, there's a suggestion that DM had some unknown issue with her to 'handle', and after having asked her to keep her distance, there was an escalation of multiple calls and desperation on her part. Whether she was trying to stir something up or only desperate for a place to stay, I believe she was a nuisance he'd had enough of and quickly handled. DM "takes what he wants" and I don't see him waiting weeks/months to plan Laura's murder. She unfortunately just fell in the way of this dangerous DM lifestyle she likely hadn't been privy to.
Cause of death? Can't hazard a guess, but doubt MS was needed. IMO, MS knew the incinerator's purpose but did he know any plan to murder Laura? Millard would have no reason to keep it from him, but he may not have had the opportunity that day. 'Don't be out front' may imply pre-knowledge by MS, or just that DM wanted to get on with it or didn't want a distraction or suspicion, since MS and Laura weren't often (ever?) together in social situations. IMO, MS was brought back into the picture that night (if he wasn't already) and they planned next steps. So ... if MS knows the purpose of the incinerator but without a specific plan for a particular person, doesn't participate in the actual murder, but assists in disposal of the body, is that M1? But the incinerator is not the cause of death - does he need to have procured a weapon or discussed a plan to complete the act even if that weapon or plan wasn't the one put into place? I suppose that is where the Abetting comes in. I will have to re-read the charge carefully.
Here also is an interesting finding from Nov 30 I don't think has been raised in this group yet.
https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/...viction-that-relied-partly-on-rap-lyrics.html
Finally, a note on witnesses and family members. There are some I'm sure we love to hate, and some behave so differently than we ever would it helps us make sense of it by assigning motives of malevolence to understand their actions. However I have empathy and understanding for MB, MM, AM and others - this is a horrible situation for them too and despite their obvious failings I can't in any way put them in the same light as DM/MS. Even CN for example, though I shared the same disgust and irritation as she took the stand for TB, is IMO simply self-focused and over-confident with her immature theories and grand plans and letter-hoarding. True she is the same as DM in that way but I think the fact that he segregated his friends and girlfriends from his DM-MS personae was wise because there is a big line to cross between the drug scene and 'softer' missions and the sort of missions reserved for MS. I don't think CN was bothered how exactly Laura went away because she didn't care. That doesn't necessarily translate to being an accomplice, just self centred and shallow.
I hope I've brought some value to the dialogue. Now I'll go back to Mostly_Listening, however I welcome any challenges to my opinions based on the evidence or impressions and would be happy for a healthy debate! I really do hope some good can come of this trial whether it be peace for Laura's family and friends, consideration of missing persons follow up, or outing other dark characters involved in this and other crimes.
