In the ongoing murder trial of Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry, concerns over the safety of the 14-person jury have prompted the judge to increase security measures at the courthouse in Cayuga. The jury, which has been feeling uneasy, was informed by Justice Andrew Goodman on Wednesday that additional precautions would be taken.
“You will be escorted in and out of the courthouse to prevent any further issues,” Justice Goodman told the jurors. Despite the courthouse already being staffed with a significant number of police officers and special constables, Goodman confirmed that one more officer would be specifically assigned to ensure the safety of the jury.
The judge revealed that he had received a note from the jury indicating that someone had been obstructing their path. However, he emphasized that it was speculative to assume any connection to the accused individuals. “Don’t draw any inferences,” he told the jury. “You’ve taken an oath to base your decision only on the evidence presented in the courtroom, not anything outside of it.”
The trial, which is expected to last six to seven weeks, involves first-degree murder charges against McKenzie, 27, and Stewart-Sperry, 32. McKenzie faces accusations of shooting Constable Greg Pierzchala shortly after the officer arrived at the scene of an accident on December 27, 2022.
During the proceedings, McKenzie has been seated in the prisoner’s dock in a position that allows him to view the proceedings and turn to smile at supporters in the courtroom. The court heard from witnesses on Monday who were present when Const. Pierzchala was fatally shot, including Paul Reichenbach, who attempted to stop a stolen Chevrolet Silverado from fleeing the scene.
Reichenbach had attempted to stop the vehicle by ramming it with his own car and then followed it as it sped towards Hagersville. An OPP detective provided testimony detailing how video surveillance from 17 locations tracked the Silverado’s path from the shooting scene to a home on Mississauga Road. The footage, which was compiled over the course of a month, showed the vehicle speeding through Hagersville before stopping at the yard of a residence that the Crown claims is connected to McKenzie’s family.
Detective Constable Paul Drake also presented the jury with a second video, lasting one hour and 42 minutes, showing Stewart-Sperry, McKenzie, and others at the Mississauga Road property. The court also heard from Tiffany Cowie, a former Hagersville resident, who described seeing the black truck “careening” down her street and narrowly squeezing between a stop sign and a fire hydrant.
As the trial continues, the added security reflects the seriousness of the case and the ongoing concerns about the safety of those involved in the proceedings.
