The trial of Rennie Kristyna Williams, 28, charged with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of her cousin Naomi Hope Williams, 26, in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, reached closing arguments Friday in a Brandon, Manitoba courtroom.
Defense lawyer Robert Harrison argued that Rennie Williams acted in self-defense during the December 2022 incident. He described Williams as a peacemaker who tried to prevent a fight from escalating after Naomi allegedly threw a plate at her. Harrison maintained his client had no choice but to stab her cousin out of fear for her life, noting the influence of drugs and alcohol, including methamphetamine, during the event.
The Crown attorney Brett Rach disputed the defense’s claim, asserting that Rennie Williams was the aggressor and targeted her cousin intentionally. Rach challenged the credibility of Williams’s testimony and highlighted inconsistencies, including conflicting details about the stabbing location. He emphasized that Williams did not seek help after the stabbing and attempted to dispose of evidence. Rach urged the court to reject reducing the charge to manslaughter.
Justice Elliot Leven has requested case references involving drugs and alcohol impacting second-degree murder charges to assist his ruling, which is expected in July.
Source: Swifteradio.com
