Family shocked, numb after firstdegree murder charge stayed

A family has been devastated by a court decision to stay charges against an Ottawa man accused of first-degree murder.

Adam Picard was arrested shortly after the discovery of 28-year-old Fouad Nayel's body in a wooded area in Madawaska township four years ago.

Today, the murder charge was stayed with a judge saying it was taking too long for the case to reach trial.

Nayel's mother Nicole told CTV she has lost faith in the justice system.

"Now I have nothing left; I feel like I'm numb," said Nayel. "I didn't expect something like this would happen. Not on a first-degree murder."

Fouad Nayel had been missing for five months when his remains were found in November of 2012.

Picard, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, was taken into custody that December and maintains his innocence.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi issued the following statement:

“I take this matter very seriously and I am concerned.  It is imperative that our criminal justice system works to protect the interests of all Ontarians, including victims, the public and the accused. My Ministry’s officials are looking closely at today’s decision.  I have asked them to conduct their review as quickly as possible and I expect it to be concluded shortly.”

With files from CTV Ottawa