New trial set for Newfoundland man accused of killing five-year-old daughter

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – The trial of a Newfoundland man accused of murdering his five-year-old daughter and burning down his house has now been scheduled for next March.

Trent Butt had been expected to face trial last week, but fired his lawyers only days before.

Butt appeared in provincial Supreme Court on Monday, where the judge set a new trial date of March 4, 2019.

Police say the 39-year-old man’s daughter, Quinn Butt, died in her father’s house in Carbonear after a fire broke out.

Neighbours said the girl’s mother, Andrea Gosse, had not lived in the house for two years while the couple was in the midst of a divorce.

Trent Butt was rescued from the flames and later recovered in hospital. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and arson.

Gosse shook her head and tearful family members embraced after the new trial date was set Monday.

(VOCM)