The trial of Robert Joseph Matthews, a Calgary man accused of murder, took a dramatic turn on Monday. The proceedings were marked by a tense moment when the defense attorney requested that the father of a key witness be removed from the courtroom. Defense counsel Rebecca Snukal argued that her client, who is the alleged accomplice in the case, felt intimidated by the presence of the witness's father. The witness, a now-19-year-old who cannot be named due to his age at the time of the incident, is testifying against Matthews in the Calgary Court of King’s Bench. The witness was previously convicted of manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Jordan Jacques-Vetten, a homeless man, on September 9, 2023. The Crown alleges that the shooting occurred during a botched robbery in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. During the witness's testimony, Snukal reported that the father entered the courtroom and made a derogatory remark towards Matthews. She stated, "Apparently when (the witness’s) father came into the courtroom and sat down he looked at Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews unfortunately looked at him and (the witness’s) father said the word ‘scumbag.'" Snukal expressed concern that the comment left her client feeling "very upset" and distracted. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that Matthews receives a fair trial, free from intimidation. Despite the defense's request for the father to be removed, Justice Lisa Silver ruled that a warning would suffice. She addressed the father directly, stating, "I control this courtroom... I make it safe for everyone including the accused person who’s before the court who has the right to a fair trial just like your son did." The witness's testimony is expected to continue for several days. Matthews is facing charges of second-degree murder in connection with Jacques-Vetten's death. Jordan Jacques-Vetten was found dead on the porch of a home in Capitol Hill shortly after the shooting occurred. The case has drawn significant attention as it unfolds in the courtroom.