Almost a month after the beginning of the trial into the killing of an Ontario Provincial Police constable, the Crown started its closing arguments, arguing Tuesday that Randall McKenzie shot and killed Greg Pierzchala and Brandi Stewart-Sperry helped him do it.
McKenzie and Stewart-Sperry have pleaded not responsible to first-degree homicide within the December 2022 taking pictures dying of Pierzchala, 28. Their Superior Court docket trial in Cayuga began in late March and heard from witnesses together with specialists in forensics, individuals on the scene earlier than and through the alleged crime, and those that noticed the co-accused after the taking pictures.
“They supported one another” through the alleged crime, Crown lawyer Fraser McCracken mentioned, calling it a “joint effort.”
McCracken introduced a story by which, after a string of thefts, together with of a Nissan Armada in Hamilton, the co-accused discovered themselves caught in a ditch in a stolen SUV close to Hagersville. When a younger police officer arrived on the scene, they might both give up or “eradicate the menace,” he mentioned.
Officer heard screaming in bodycam footage
Stewart-Sperry has admitted to being on the scene of the taking pictures and being the lady proven in video captured by Pierzchala’s bodycam. McKenzie has not admitted to being the shooter who was seen within the video firing six photographs at Pierzchala. The officer can also be heard screaming within the footage.
McCracken spent a good portion of his 90-minute closing argument making the case McKenzie is that shooter. He referred to picture evaluation evaluating their faces, similarities between clothes worn by the shooter and McKenzie when he was arrested hours later, witness testimony and DNA proof linking McKenzie to the stolen car and handgun he mentioned the shooter used.
McKenzie’s lawyer, Douglas Holt, used his closing argument to poke holes in that narrative and argue the jury ought to have affordable doubt that McKenzie shot Pierzchala.
He pointed to a number of elements of the Crown’s case and argued they weren’t as strong as introduced. As an illustration, he mentioned, the shooter left a pair of pants with McKenzie’s DNA on them within the stolen automobile.
Defence raises questions on shooter’s id
“If Randall McKenzie was the shooter, why would not he take his pants with him?” Holt requested the jury.
He additionally argued witnesses mentioned the shooter wore a black jacket, however not a black jacket with a purple lining like McKenzie had on when he was arrested. He mentioned they incorrectly described his shopper’s face tattoos — markings he mentioned will not be seen within the bodycam footage.
In the meantime, McCracken mentioned, the bodycam video was compressed and a few high-quality particulars have been doubtless misplaced. He additionally mentioned the shooter’s hood and hat may have obscured the tattoos.
As for the proof that McKenzie’s DNA was on the gun that shot Pierzchala, Holt argued there may be “no proof he was in unique entry and management of that firearm” and another person may have used it.
“There’s an inference — an affordable inference — that Randall and the shooter will not be one and the identical,” he mentioned.
The jury has heard McKenzie texted individuals about “taking pictures out with the cops,” however Holt mentioned it is laborious to know the intent of these statements, since tone does not translate over textual content.
Stewart-Sperry’s lawyer to talk Wednesday
On Wednesday, Stewart-Sperry’s lawyer, Scott Reid, is anticipated to current closing arguments.
McCracken argued she was a keen participant within the taking pictures, she helped McKenzie within the act by making it laborious for Pierzchala to see him and he or she tried to cowl up the crime, together with by trying to cover the getaway car.
“Their shared plan, the teamwork, and now, the accountability,” McCracken mentioned.
Early within the trial, Stewart-Sperry’s lawyer requested witnesses whether or not she appeared intoxicated previous to the taking pictures. Many agreed she did.
McCracken mentioned her actions after the taking pictures present she knew what she was doing.
“It is logical, goal-oriented behaviour,” he mentioned.
Source link