The trial of an Île-à-la-Crosse man charged with first degree murder in relation to a death in Prince Albert almost two years ago began Monday. Quinton Gardiner is on trial for the murder of a 41-year-old Norman Wenzel over Canada Day long weekend in 2024. Police and paramedics responded to Kemp Crescent for a disturbance shortly after 1 a.m. on July 1, where Wenzel was found badly injured. He was transported to Victoria Hospital where he died. Wenzel was a father of four. July selection for the trial was completed early Monday afternoon. Jury members were briefed on trial procedure. Wenzel’s now 19-year-old daughter Karissa Wenzel-Smith was the only witness on the first day. She testified that she spoke to the 911 operator on the initial call for the incident. Wenzel-Smith said she was in her grandparents’ house, along with her younger sister and their cousin, when they heard someone outside groaning and calling for help. They checked and saw Wenzel outside, lying on the stairs covered in blood. Court heard a recording of the phone call. The witness testified she’s had nightmares about her dad lying on the steps, adding she “couldn’t get that image of him out of my head for a long time.” The incident made her uncomfortable returning to the house afterwards. Gardiner has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial is scheduled to run into next week.
