Bradford man accused of murdering his mother intends to represent himself, seek bail

A 25-year-old man accused of murder in the July 31 death of his mother at their Bradford, Ont., home told a Barrie court he intends to represent himself without the assistance of a lawyer at this time.

After politely declining assistance from duty counsel, Joshua Berrezueta Wilson addressed the court Tuesday afternoon, saying he wishes to represent himself in court.

“I intend to represent myself,” he confirmed. “More specifically, I intend to represent me.”

• Bradford, Ont. man released from jail day before mother’s death

Berrezueta Wilson was brought before Justice Stacey Nichols as he seeks bail in the Superior Court of Justice. He has been behind bars at Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene since his arrest on July 31. He is automatically detained while accused of first-degree murder.

When asked whether he intends to seek bail, Berrezueta Wilson told the court he has not been offered any terms for potential release. He expressed an interest in getting back his belongings, including identification and clothing.

He is charged with the murder of his mother, Susan Berrezueta, inside their Bradford home when police were called for a wellness check and investigators said a body was discovered.

Surveillance video recorded the moment the accused was led away in handcuffs that evening.

CTV News has learned Berrezueta Wilson had been previously charged with assault and assault with a weapon in September 2024, and after being convicted and sentenced on July 30, Berrezueta Wilson was released from custody. The next day his mother was found dead, and her son was back in jail accused of killing her.

• Ont. man charged with first-degree murder after dead body discovered in Bradford home

The accused returns to a Barrie courtroom in two weeks before Justice Nichols; the allegations against him have not been tested in court.