Warning: This article contains details that include descriptions of intimate partner violence and may be disturbing and triggering to readers. Closing arguments have been made by the Crown and defence in the murder trial of a woman who claimed she acted in self-defence the night she stabbed and killed her abusive boyfriend. Defence lawyer Sherif Foda told the court McKenzie Gill, 32, was facing an imminent and violent attack from her former boyfriend, Blake Bibby, inside his Newmarket apartment two years ago when Gill grabbed a steak knife and stabbed and killed Bibby in an act of self-defence. Foda told the court Gill, who had been beaten and terrorized by her abusive boyfriend over the course of their tumultuous two-year relationship, picked up the knife from the kitchen counter and in a “reflexive reaction” drove a single stab wound into Bibby’s heart. He said Gill was defending herself from what she perceived was an imminent assault by her violent, drunken partner. Crown Attorney Brian McCallion told the court Gill wanted vengeance against Bibby. The prosecution argued Gill was struggling with built-up anger and animosity toward her on-again, off-again partner that reached a critical point when she had “had enough” of his demeaning taunts and comments that included bragging about being with other women. The prosecution said Gill became angry with Bibby and murdered him. “This was the last straw” argued McCallion, who said Gill was misleading during 911 calls that night. McCallion said Gill “calculatingly lied” to the dispatchers about what had happened to Bibby and sought to defend herself from the consequences of her actions. Gill can be heard telling one dispatcher her friend had been in a fight and when asked if she knew whether the assailant was still there, Gill said no. Following the dropped call, the dispatcher called back and asked Gill to provide her name. She told the dispatcher her name was Amelia Shill. The defence described Gill as being in a panic as she tried to help Bibby using a bed sheet to stop him from bleeding. Gill, who is on trial for second-degree murder before Justice Vanessa Christie, testified this week, she believed Bibby was going to kill her on the night of July 14, 2024, following a day of alcohol-fuelled arguments at his apartment when she claims he rushed toward her after Gill told him she was leaving. Gill testified Bibby previously strangled her on several occasions. The court heard of a toxic relationship that included allegations of physical and psychological abuse with criminal charges being laid against both Bibby and Gill. Their photographed scars and wounds showed the aftermath of their fights. Bibby and Gill were ordered by a court to stay away from one another but defied those orders. Gill was seen on surveillance video leaving the apartment after stabbing Bibby, who was later found bleeding on the bathroom floor. The court heard from a defence witness, who was an expert in intimate partner violence. The witness testified Gill showed obvious signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and appeared to be the victim of an abusive partner who made her fear for her safety while emotionally and physically harming her. He described Gill as being terrorized by Bibby. Justice Christie will now decide whether Gill is guilty of murder, manslaughter or not guilty, if she acted in self-defence when killing Bibby. Judgement is expected in late-August. If you or someone you know is in an abusive or violent relationship, reach out for help by calling the ConnexOntario line for Simcoe County: North Simcoe Crisis Line: 1-800-461-1750 South Simcoe Crisis Line: 1-800-987-0799
