A British Columbia judge has denied a request to release video evidence from the 2022 Abbotsford double murder trial, despite the victim's family urging transparency.The video, which shows suspects allegedly celebrating their crime, was shown in court but not made public.

The family of 77-year-old Arnold De Jong and his wife Joanne expressed outrage that the perpetrators were allegedly using the murder weapon as a trophy.

Legal arguments centered on balancing public interest with court integrity, with prosecutors describing the video as showing the 'smile of a murderer.' The case, involving three men convicted of first-degree murder, remains under review for sentencing.The decision has sparked debate over media access to criminal trial evidence, with critics arguing it protects offenders rather than victims.The video's suppression highlights ongoing tensions between judicial discretion and public accountability in high-profile homicide cases.