During the trial, Crown prosecutors argued Tran was motivated by an escalating dispute over barbecue smoke and odours, as well as threats allegedly made by Habib. They said Tran killed his neighbour during a late-night confrontation, then undertook an elaborate effort to conceal the crime, eventually enlisting Nguyen to help dispose of the body.

Defence lawyers maintained the Crown’s case was circumstantial, suggesting Habib’s death could have been the result of an accident and arguing there was insufficient evidence to prove Nguyen knowingly assisted in covering up the killing.