Jason McKay pleads guilty to 2017 killing of wife

Jason McKay is pictured leaving court on Jan. 24, 2019.

Jason McKay, who was accused of killing his wife Jenny McKay in 2017, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

The guilty plea came Thursday, just before his second trial, which was ordered after his original conviction was set aside at the Court of King’s Bench. The court had found the first trial failed to properly consider expert evidence on how drugs and alcohol may have affected McKay’s memory, behaviour, and ability to form intent.

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Police were called to a home on the 200 block of Angus Street in Regina around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2017, after McKay’s mother requested a wellness check. Officers were met by McKay, who told them his wife was dead inside the residence. He later repeatedly told police he had killed her.

Drugs and alcohol were central issues at the original trial. Court evidence showed McKay had been drinking heavily the night of the killing, and the defence argued he was in a blackout state and unable to form intent—a key factor in the appeal.

The trial also heard evidence of ongoing alcohol use and conflict in the couple’s relationship, including a heated argument the night of the killing that neighbours reportedly heard.

His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 4 at the Court of King’s Bench.

-With files from David Prisciak