A mistrial has been declared a day after the Crown opened its case against a man accused of fatally stabbing cancer researcher Mark Ernsting while he was out for an early evening walk in downtown Toronto on Dec. 15, 2015.

Ontario Superior Court Justice David McCombs put a publication ban on the specific incident necessitating a mistrial Wednesday.

But what can be reported is that false information was introduced to the jury contrary to the clear directions of the trial judge.

The information was researched external to the trial process. This information was false. As a result, a mistrial was declared on the consent of all counsel.

On Tuesday, McCombs told the jury they were not to conduct any internet searches on any trial participants.

The accused, Calvin Nimoh, 24, admits he killed Ernsting, 39, and on Tuesday pleaded guilty to manslaughter. But the prosecution rejected the plea and has opted to prosecute the accused for first-degree murder.

Ernsting’s husband, Robert Iseman, gave tearful testimony about the fateful night. Another witness called was Glynis Brownsey, a Victoria-based opera and theatre director allegedly mugged by Nimoh and an accomplice.

Both will have to take the stand again.

“I feel bad for the family, it’s very frustrating. Dr. Ernsting’s partner, husband, testified (Tuesday). It was very difficult for him to get through, he did a great job, and he’s going to have to do the entire thing again,” said homicide Det. Paul Worden.

Jury selection is to begin Thursday and a new trial could start as early as Friday. The trial is expected to last five weeks.