Christina Asp has refused to testify in the first-degree murder trial of her boyfriend, Norman Larue, and has been cited for contempt of court.

Larue is on trial for a charge of first-degree murder in the 2008 death of Gordon Seybold.

Asp was called to the stand by Crown lawyer David McWhinnie this morning.

"Our next witness is Christina Asp. I understand she is in custody, and it may take a few minutes to bring her up,” McWhinnie told the jury.

After waiting, the court was informed Asp was refusing to leave her cell within the Andrew A. Philipsen Law Centre.

At this point, the jury was excused. Anything discussed outside the presence of the jury is covered under a publication ban.

When the jury returned, Asp was on the stand.

She was asked if she would like to swear an oath on the Bible or make a solemn affirmation — the first step before someone gives testimony in court.

"No,” she responded.

"You understand that you've been subpoenaed?” asked Justice Scott Brooker, who is overseeing the trial.

"Yes,” Asp responded.

The judge informed Asp he was ordering her to give testimony. When she continued to refuse, she was cited for contempt "for refusing my order.”

The charge will be dealt with at a later date.

Larue has been on trial since early April. The Crown is alleging he and Asp beat Seybold inside his Ibex Valley cabin, then burned it to the ground.

Asp has already been convicted for her role in Seybold's death.

The pair was part of a lengthy RCMP undercover investigation, known as a Mr. Big operation.

They were convinced undercover police officers were members of a criminal organization.

The jury has already heard a recording of Larue telling one of the undercover officers about attacking Seybold. His lawyer claims he was lying.

The trial, scheduled to last three months, will resume next Tuesday morning.