Jury finds 2 people guilty of 1st-degree murder in killing of Ontario Const. Greg Pierzchala
CBC
A jury in Cayuga, Ont., has found both Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Ontario Provincial Police Const. Greg Pierzchala.
The jury came in with its verdict around 9 p.m. Thursday after beginning deliberations earlier in the day. The pair each received a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years, court heard.
Both had pleaded not guilty in the Dec. 27, 2022, roadside shooting of the 28-year-old officer, who responded to the co-accused crashing a stolen car into a ditch outside Hagersville.
In his remarks after the verdict was read, Justice Andrew Goodman said the couple's actions were "callous" and "cold-blooded" and had "no excuse."
Goodman had a message to the Pierzchala family: "I share in your grief. Hopefully this will provide some measure of closure for you."
The verdicts were read one by one, prompting some gasps in the courtroom. McKenzie looked back at some people he knew, who were crying. When asked if he wanted to speak, McKenzie stood, turned to face members of Pierzchala's family and supporters on the other side of the courtroom.
"I'm so sorry to your family," he said. "What happened, that should never happen to nobody."
Stewart-Sperry did not speak.
After the jury was dismissed, members of Pierzchala's family embraced one another in the courtroom. At least three dozen people filled the room in support of Pierzchala.
Outside the courthouse, Ed Sanchuk, media coordinator for West Region OPP, read a statement on behalf of OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and the Pierzchala family.
"This has been an incredibly challenging period for provincial constable Greg Pierzchala's family, members of the OPP, and their loved ones," Sanchuk said.
"The conclusion of this trial has weighed heavily on all of us. The verdict is an important step as we focus on moving forward with continuing the important work Greg started and contributing to the ever-lasting impact he had on so many people personally and professionally."
Pierzchala was a "committed officer who served with courage and integrity," the statement said. "His loss continues to be felt by the entire policing community."
Crown lawyer Fraser McCracken said he wanted to "thank the jury who worked hard on behalf of this community to ensure that justice was done."
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