Woman accused of murder claims self defence in ex-boyfriend’s stabbing

Toronto woman McKenzie Gill is claiming self-defence in the 2024 stabbing death of her ex-boyfriend, Blake Bibby.

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A Toronto woman accused of stabbing her ex-boyfriend to death at his Newmarket, Ont. apartment last summer appeared in court for her preliminary hearing.

With family by her side and a GPS ankle monitor following her every step McKenzie Gill, 31, arrived at the courthouse, facing a second-degree murder charge in the killing of her on-again, off-again ex-boyfriend Blake Bibby, who died on July 14, 2024.

York Regional Police said officers were called to the apartment building along Millard Avenue and Main Street at 10:30 p.m. for reports of a man with serious injuries.

Gill was taken into custody and granted bail a month later.

Bibby, 36, and Gill had a tumultuous relationship marred by allegations of domestic violence and criminal charges against both, according to court records obtained by CTV News.

Bibby faced charges in Toronto and Newmarket of assault, assault causing bodily harm, choking and criminal harassment. While many of his charges were withdrawn by the Crown, Bibby entered into a peace bond and paid a fine in 2021. A Toronto court had ordered him not to communicate with or be within 100 metres of Gill. Bibby was last charged with assault two months prior to his death.

Gill was charged with assaulting Bibby in 2023. Those charged were withdrawn in January the following year.

A publication ban imposed prevents any evidence heard in court during the preliminary hearing from being released.

Gill, who is represented by defence lawyer Sherif Foda, maintains she acted in self-defence the night Bibby died.

“I was actually on my way to go see him. We made plans to see each other that Monday,” said Bibby’s younger brother Mitchell, who said he also lost his older sister in 2021 following an illness. Bibby said his family wants justice and answers about what happened the night Blake was stabbed to death.

“It is something I don’t wish anyone to go through. My parents are obviously, you know, the ones I think about most losing two of their children,” he said.

Gill’s preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue Thursday. The allegations against the accused of not been tested in court.