BRADFORD, Ont. - An Ontario court has stayed assault charges against a man whose estranged wife is now accused of killing the couple's two young daughters.
Prosecutor Frank Faveri asked the court Wednesday to stay the charges against Leonardo Campione because the Crown's key witness is none other than Campione's wife Elaine.
"The Crown has carefully reviewed both cases and has concluded that it is appropriate and in the interest of the administration of justice that the charges against Mr. Campione be stayed until the case against Mrs. Campione is concluded," he said.
While the Crown has a year to renew the charges, Faveri called the decision "good news" and expects the matter is finished.
Outside the courtroom, Campione welcomed the decision but said he would have preferred to spend the day celebrating his daughter's birthday.
"On a day when I was supposed to be celebrating my youngest daughter's second birthday, today I'll be spending my time by her grave," he said.
The couple's daughters -- Sophia, 2, and Serena, 3 -- were found dead last October in the Barrie apartment where they lived with their mother.
Elaine Campione has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
