Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
“At this point, the accused is now admitting that he killed all four women, and that is a new development,” Crown prosecutor Chris Vanderhooft told Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench Monday morning.
Skibicki is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman who Indigenous leaders have given the name Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe or Buffalo Woman.
He has pleaded not guilty.
The partial remains of Contois were found in a garbage bin and Winnipeg's Brady Landfill in 2022. Police said they believe the remains of Myran and Harris are in the Prairie Green Landfill outside of Winnipeg. The remains of the fourth woman have not been found.
Chief Justice Glenn Joyal, who is presiding over the case, confirmed with Skibicki’s defence lawyer Leonard Tailleur.
“Am I correct in assuming that, for the record, that you – on behalf of Mr. Skibicki – Mr. Tailleur, are admitting that Skibicki caused the deaths of all four victims… and that he caused them unlawfully?” Joyal asked.
“Yes,” Tailleur responded.
Skibicki sat silently in the prisoner’s box during the proceedings that lasted less than 15 minutes. He was brought into the courtroom by two sheriffs, his hands and feet shackled.
Members of the victims’ families were also in the courtroom Monday, some holding eagle fans and feathers which the court heard previously represents love.
“Honestly, I don't even have any words. It was just kind of a shock, but we are so happy,” Melissa Robinson, the cousin of Morgan Harris, told reporters outside the courthouse Monday.
“It's been all about justice for my cousin, and we're going to get it. We're going to get it and we're going to get all four.”
While Skibicki has now admitted to the killings, the court has heard the accused’s defence team plan to argue he is not criminally responsible by way of mental disorder.
“It’s a matter to ensure that justice is done one or the other,” Tailleur told reporters outside the courthouse. “That’s what we’re concerned with.”
This all comes days after Joyal dismissed a constitutional question from Skibicki’s defence team and ruled the trial would go ahead with a jury.
Skibicki's defence had unsuccessfully argued the media coverage in the lead-up to the high-profile case may have prejudiced a jury – thereby violating Skibicki's right to a fair trial.
At the time, Crown prosecutors were opposed to having the trial heard by judge alone, but told the court on Monday that had changed given the recent developments.
"If we were required to prove that the accused killed all four women, this would still be a jury trial," Vanderhooft told the court. "However, in light of recent agreements and admissions… we are now prepared to provide our consent to proceed to trial by judge alone."
Joyal said the trial will now hinge on Skibicki’s mental capacity and intent in the killings.
The trial will proceed on Wednesday. Joyal said at that time, the jury that had been selected last month, will be dismissed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
The push to Parliament's summer hiatus is about to begin, here's what you need to know
When MPs file back in to the House of Commons on Tuesday, it will be for the final five-week parliamentary push before hitting the barbecue circuit. Looking ahead to what could be a raucous rush to the summer hiatus, CTVNews.ca spoke with top House representatives to get a sense of what's atop their priority list.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Your kids' ultraprocessed food consumption may put them at higher risk, study shows
The ultraprocessed foods your kids eat now may be putting them at greater risk for cardiometabolic problems – like heart attack, stroke and diabetes – in adulthood, a new study suggests.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.