Jurors at OPP murder trial could start deliberations next week

CTV’s Krista Simpson explains what’s next, and who we won’t be hearing from, as the trial into OPP Const. Greg Pierzchala’s death moves onto its next phase.

The trial of two people charged with the first-degree murder of an Ontario Provincial Police officer is expected to go to the jury next week.

Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry are both accused in the fatal shooting of Const. Greg Pierzchala. The 28-year-old officer was shot six times while responding to what seemed to be a routine call about a vehicle in a ditch near Hagersville, Ont. on Dec. 27, 2022.

• TIMELINE: What the jury has already heard at the murder trial for Const. Greg Pierzchala

The Crown called its final witnesses on Tuesday.

Lawyers for both McKenzie and Stewart-Sperry, meanwhile, have said they will not be calling any evidence, meaning the defendants will not testify at trial.

Jurors were dismissed Wednesday and told to return to the Cayuga, Ont. courtroom on Tuesday for closing submissions.

Justice Andrew Goodman reminded them the trial has not ended, explaining they were “not to come to any conclusions even though the evidence is now complete.”

He also warned jurors that while 14 of them have listened to the evidence presented at trial, only 12 can participate in deliberations. After the judge issues his charge to the jury, two of them will be selected at random and excused.

“I know that’s disappointing,” Goodman acknowledged. “That’s just the way it works.”

Jurors were also told deliberations could start as soon as next Thursday.