Jury finds 2 people guilty of 1st-degree murder in killing of Ontario Const. Greg Pierzchala | CBC News (2025)

Justin Chandler · CBC News

· Posted: Apr 24, 2025 3:04 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 25

A jury in Cayuga, Ont., has found both Randall McKenzie and BrandiStewart-Sperry guilty of first-degree murder in the death ofOntario 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 receiveda sentence oflife 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 amessage to thePierzchalafamily: "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 ofPierzchala's familyand 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 ofPierzchala's familyembraced one another in the courtroom. At least three dozen people filled the room in support ofPierzchala.

Outside the courthouse,Ed Sanchuk, media coordinator for West Region OPP, reada statementon behalf of OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and thePierzchalafamily.

"This has been an incredibly challenging period for provincial constable Greg Pierzchala's family, members of the OPP, and their loved ones,"Sanchuk said.

"Theconclusion 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 workedhard on behalf of this community to ensure that justice was done."

Trial began in March

The Superior Court trial began in late March and heard from multiple witnesses, including several who were at the scene of the shooting, police involved in the response, and experts on topics including digital video, toxicology and DNA.

The 12 jurors began deliberating Thursday afternoon.

During the trial, Crown prosecutors argued McKenzie shot Pierzchala, and Stewart-Sperry helped him. Neither of the co-accused took the stand.

McCrackenhadargued thatafter a string of thefts, including of a Nissan Armada in Hamilton, the pair found themselves stuck in a ditch in a stolen SUV near Hagersville.When theyoung police officer arrived on the scene, they could either surrender or "eliminate the threat," he said.

McKenzie's defence hadtold the jurythere should be reasonable doubt as to whether McKenzie was the shooter captured on the officer's bodycam as he shot the man six times.

Stewart-Sperry's defence had argued she was not a participant in the crime and that prosecutors' evidence of her willing participation was "nothing more than speculation and conjecture."

Stewart-Sperry hadadmitted to being at the scene of the shootingand being the woman shown in video captured by Pierzchala's bodycam. McKenzie didnot admitto being the shooterwho was seen in the video firing shots at Pierzchala. The officer washeard screaming in the footage.

Several factors to weigh forStewart-Sperry

Goodman had instructedthe juryin how to apply the law beforethey determined their verdict. For McKenzie, the jurors had only to decide whether they believed, beyond a reasonable doubt, that McKenzie was the shooter, Goodman said.

For his co-accused, the jury had to weigh several factors.

The justice had provided members with a flow chart taking them through a series of questions and asking whether Stewart-Sperry helped or encouraged the shooter to commit first-degree murder, or was engaged in a committing another crime for which the shooting was a likely consequence.

Stewart-Sperry's lawyer, Scott Reid, said outside the courthouse Thursday night he was "disappointed."

"We thought there was a reasonable doubt but the jury worked hard as they always do in these cases," he said. It was too early to say whether he will appeal the result, he added.

The 'most courageous person I knew'

Pierzchala's deathwas followed by a funeral in January 2023 in which thousands attended.

At the service in his hometown of Barrie, Ont., he was remembered as"an example of service over self"— as well as a loving brotheranda gifted athlete who embraced his Polish roots.

The officer wassurvived by his motherJanina, fatherJan, and his siblings Chris, Michal, andJustyna.

At the service, Michal said Pierzchala was"the most courageous person I knew," and heknew the risks that came with his job.

Pierzchalahad dreamed of becominga police officer since he was a young boy, the OPPsaid previously. Hebegan his policing career in Haldimand in September2021,after training as a Canadian military officer.

A graduate of Toronto's York University, Pierzchalawas also a skilled athlete. At St. Joan of Arc Catholic High Schoolin Barrie, he was namedmale athlete of the year. He also was a member of York University'swrestling team.

Pierzchaladiedthe same day he learned he had passed his 10-month probation. He had been patrolling independently since April of 2022, the OPP hassaid.

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