MacKinnon says he was the only resident of the apartment building who regularly spoke with Magnotta, whom he described as quiet and well-kept. The two occasionally chatted about the film industry.
"I knew he had acted in
films," MacKinnon said. "Besides, everyone on the block knew. He was nicknamed 'the
star.'"
He said Magnotta was cold at first but soon warmed up once he learned about MacKinnon's past.
"I'm sure he went to see who I was on the Internet since a few days later he asked me for advice about how to quit the
industry and get roles in real productions," MacKinnon said"
MacKinnon hasn't slept much since Lin's remains were found and he wonders if he could have been the victim had things turned out differently.
"The night it happened, Magnotta had invited me to spend the evening with him to talk more about film," the actor recalled. "I was busy, so I turned him down."
MacKinnon bumped into Magnotta one final time on the day after the murder while the suspect was preparing to leave.
"He had no luggage and wore a red wig," MacKinnon said. "The day before, his hair was very black. A real chameleon."
