Saskatoon man guilty of 2nd-degree murder in spouse's stabbing death
A judge has found a Saskatoon man guilty of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his spouse.
Tammy Brown was stabbed more than 80 times in her home. Blake Schreiner admitted to the killing, but pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
Schreiner testified he heard voices telling him to kill Brown, with the defence’s psychiatrist diagnosing him with a schizophrenia-type disorder.
Justice Ronald Mills said he had “great difficulty” with Schreiner's testimony in court and information he provided to the defence psychiatrist.
Crown Prosecutor Mel Kujawa said Schreiner made up the mental disorder symptoms.
“Mr. Schreiner tried to claim this was something that it wasn’t. He created a diagnosis, and therefore insulted all the people who have genuine mental health disorders,” Kujawa said.
The Crown argued problems in the couple’s relationship, and Schreiner’s fears about a custody battle over their kids fuelled the killing.
“There was no way he was going to let her have [the kids], so he makes the irrational decision to kill her,” Kujawa said.
EXPLANATION 'MAKES NO SENSE'
Schreiner had testified he heard voices to kill his daughter before Brown, but he fell asleep.
The judge questioned how he could ignore the voices telling him to kill his daughter, but not the voices to kill Brown.
“His explanation that he fell asleep … makes no sense,” the judge said.
“The evidence leads me to conclude that this was an impulsive act.”
Schreiner wore a suit, staring at the judge as he read the verdict.
“It’s definitely disappointing. It’s not what we were hoping for,” defence lawyer Brad Mitchell told reporters outside the courthouse.
Second-degree murder holds a life sentence in prison with no chance of parole for at least 10 years.
'EVERYBODY LOVED TAMMY'
Brown’s father, Bruce, said while the family was hoping for first-degree, they were pleased with second-degree murder.
“I know Tammy would be happy,” the victim’s father said.
Brown is being remembered as a hardworking teacher at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and a mother who loved her two kids.
Schreiner testified her last words were “Mommy loves you” when the kids came into the room during the stabbing.
“Everybody loved Tammy. Plain and simple,” Bruce said — referring to her family, friends and students.
The Crown and defence will argue when Schreiner should be eligible for parole during sentencing in August.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.