Jury deliberations begin in trial of pair accused of killing Ontario Const. Greg Pierzchala

Justin Chandler · CBC News

· Posted: Apr 24, 2025 3:04 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 hours ago

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.”

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. 

McCracken had argued that after 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 the young police officer arrived on the scene, they could either surrender or “eliminate the threat,” he said.

McKenzie’s defence had told the jury there 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 had admitted to being at the scene of the shooting and being the woman shown in video captured by Pierzchala’s bodycam. McKenzie did not admit to being the shooter who was seen in the video firing shots at Pierzchala. The officer was heard screaming in the footage.

Several factors to weigh for Stewart-Sperry

Goodman had instructed the jury in how to apply the law before they 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 death was 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 brother and a gifted athlete who embraced his Polish roots.

The officer was survived by his mother Janina, father Jan, and his siblings Chris, Michal, and Justyna. 

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

Pierzchala had dreamed of becoming a police officer since he was a young boy, the OPP said previously. He began his policing career in Haldimand in September 2021, after training as a Canadian military officer.

A graduate of Toronto’s York University, Pierzchala was also a skilled athlete. At St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie, he was named male athlete of the year. He also was a member of York University’s wrestling team.  

Pierzchala died the same day he learned he had passed his 10-month probation. He had been patrolling independently since April of 2022, the OPP has said.