The Crime Tapes: Was there a witness to Liana White’s murder?

CTV News Edmonton's David Ewasuk takes a look at the aftermath of Michael White's trial in the death of his wife Liana.

Not every piece of potential evidence becomes an exhibit at a murder trial, especially in front of a jury.

That’s what voir dire hearings are meant to decide; the so-called trial within a trial to determine admissibility for certain exhibits or statements.

After Michael White was found guilty, and just before his parole eligibility was decided at sentencing, CTV News revealed a claim that someone close to the case might have witnessed Liana White’s murder.

That’s the focus of the final part in our new series, The Crime Tapes.

• Part 1: The Michael White investigation
• Part 2: Liana White is found and her husband is arrested
• Part 3: The Michael White trial
• Part 4: Michael White’s verdict

Dec. 8, 2006: A witness?

The words of Michael and Liana’s daughter, Ashley, were not needed for the Crown to get its murder conviction against her father.

After the jury’s guilty verdict, White tried to take his own life at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

He was stitched up for the 70 slash wounds he self-inflicted on his wrists and neck, and he was then put on suicide watch awaiting his sentencing hearing.

The Crown asked that 20 years be served on his automatic life sentence before parole eligibility.

The defence was hoping for a 14-year term on ineligibility.

Dec. 15, 2006: The sentencing

White would not remain in protective custody forever, nor would he remain in Alberta to serve out his sentence.

His term of parole ineligibility of 17 years finally ended in 2023. He has now been released, and White has maintained his innocence in the murder of his pregnant wife.