As he arrived at the scene, Pierzchala activated his body camera, addressing the individuals present: “Guys, I’m giving you a heads up my body-camera is on so everything is audio and visually recorded.” Those individuals were later identified as Brandi Stewart-Sperry, 32, and her companion, Randall McKenzie, 27, both now charged with first-degree murder.
In court, the emotionally charged footage was played, showing Pierzchala calmly speaking with Stewart-Sperry as she explained how she had abandoned a vehicle near Hagersville. Moments later, her partner—allegedly McKenzie—approached the officer, concealing his hand in the pocket of a hoodie. The video captured the sounds of gunfire and Pierzchala’s initial reaction, but cut out before showing the full extent of the attack. Ultimately, the officer was hit by six bullets.
Witnesses to the scene included Veronica Tobicoe, who arrived with her daughter to offer blankets in case of injuries. Just feet away from Pierzchala, Tobicoe recounted hearing the gunshots and seeing the officer collapse. “I hear gunshots and see the guy with his pocket raised and hear bam-bam-bam,” Tobicoe testified, her voice trembling. “I turned and saw that look in Greg’s eyes. He had been shot.” She described grabbing her daughter and seeking cover as the situation escalated.
In the courtroom, the harrowing footage brought tears to many, including Pierzchala’s family members. Even as Tobicoe gave her testimony, tissues were quietly passed among the grieving family and spectators.
Stewart-Sperry and McKenzie allegedly attempted to flee in Tobicoe’s truck but were foiled by its automatic locking system. Tobicoe threw them her keys in a desperate bid for safety, but the truck was never successfully stolen. Instead, the couple reportedly fled in another vehicle after briefly ramming Tobicoe’s vehicle. Witnesses described Pierzchala still groaning on the ground as they left the scene.
Prosecutors have stated that McKenzie was a wanted man on the day of the shooting, facing the likelihood of jail time if arrested. The trial, expected to last six weeks, continues under heightened security.
