Victim of fatal shooting found in alley, wrapped in blanket, jurors hear on murder trial's first day

One day after Shawn McCormack was fatally shot, passers-by found his body in the middle of a southwest alley, wrapped in a white blanket, jurors heard Monday.

Two people, Devon Shedrick and Laura Lavorato are charged in McCormack's death. Shedrick faces a charge of first-degree murder while Lavorato is charged with manslaughter.

Their trial got underway Monday with prosecutor Peter Mackenzie's opening statement to jurors.

Mackenzie alleged the motive for murder was a fight between the two men one month before the killing.

"Devon Shedrick was badly beaten by Shawn McCormack while both were incarcerated at the Calgary Remand Centre on June 6, 2022," said Mackenzie.

Body in alley

At the time, Lovorato was in a relationship with McCormack but, according to the prosecution, had a conflict with him over drugs. She also alleged he was violent with her.

Mackenzie alleged Lavorato helpedShedrickfindMcCormack and "prompted"Shedrick to assault the victim.

The prosecution said the evidence will show that McCormack was shot in Lavorato's southeast home the day before his body was found in the southwest.

On July 3, 2022, Jess McDicken was in Calgary visiting his parents.

He and his wife were out for a walk when they spotted McCormack's body in an alley.

Dried blood on victim's face

Photos presented to the jury show McCormack dressed in dark clothing with a white blanket wrapped around his torso.

McDicken noticed some dried blood on the victim's face.

The witness told jurors first responders arrived within about 20 minutes.

Mackenzie told jurors the Crown's witnesses include police officers, a firearms expert and friends of the accused. They will see evidence involving cell phone data, text messages, and phone calls between the two accused.

Court of King's Bench Justice Keith Yamauchi is presiding over the three-week trial.

Defence lawyers Kim Ross and Rebecca Snukal represent Shedrick and Lavorato.