Decision on whether to send Magnotta to trial to be handed down today

A judge is to rule later this afternoon whether there is sufficient evidence to send Luka Rocco Magnotta to trial.

Magnotta is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Chinese engineering student Lin Jun last May.

The defence argued today that if the case goes to trial, the charge should be downgraded to second-degree murder.

The Crown presented 32 witnesses during the preliminary hearing, while the defence did not present any.

Evidence presented during the hearing is subject to a publication ban.

Judge Lori-Renee Weitzman says she will deliver her decision at 3 p.m. eastern time