A Woodbridge, Ontario man accused of killing a father of four who was found dismembered was in court on bail Friday, hoping to be released from custody after spending 60 days behind bars.
Tony Lucia sat in the prison box, looking tired, his hands shackled and his head bowed during the hearing.
Family and friends gathered in an Orangeville courtroom to support the 62-year-old as his high-profile defense attorneys, Cosmo Galluzzo and Michael Lacey, pressed for his release.
Lucia was arrested in September and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Maurice Conte 12 years ago.
Conte, who was 45 at the time of his death, went missing in May 2010.
The Bolton man’s family told police he was going to meet a friend for coffee. He was never seen alive again.
That same month, police said Conte’s body parts were found scattered across several locations in Oro-Medonte and Muskoka.
During the gruesome discovery, police noted that his remains were left in places where they would be easily found. Investigators said his killing and what was done to his body may have been a message or warning to others.
Maurice Conte is pictured in this undated photo. (Delivered)
Lucia’s son, Sam, was charged in 2011 with accessory after the fact and committing indignity to a human body. The charges were later dropped.
The OPP is offering a $50,000 reward for information as the Conte family continues to seek answers and justice.
The publication ban protects information presented at the bail hearing.
The hearing is scheduled to continue Monday with more arguments, although it is unclear when Judge Leonard Ricchetti will make his decision.
The allegations against Lucia have not been tested in court.
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