THUNDER BAY - The man accused in an attack at a north-side residence nearly four years ago that resulted in the death of 32-year-old Irene Barkman has pleaded not guilty to several charges.
The second-degree murder trial against Peter Keeash opened before Justice Danial Newton in a Thunder Bay Courtroom on Monday.
Keeash pleaded not guilty to the charge of second-degree murder, as well as to two counts of uttering threats to cause death and one count of forcible confinement.
The incident took place on Oct. 29, 2018 at an apartment on the 300 block of Dufferin Street.
Crown attorney, Thomas Bud, detailed in his opening statement that on Oct. 29, 2018, four individuals were consuming alcohol inside the residence, including Keeash and Barkman.
That evening, emergency services responded to a call for an unconscious female inside the residence. Upon arrival, paramedics observed a female on the floor in a pool of blood and noted injuries to her face and neck area.
Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service also attended the residence and the scene was held. Keeash was identified as a possible suspect in the assault and was observed by officers returning to the residence the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. The officers on the scene recognizing Keeash placed him under arrest and he was charged with attempted murder and forcible confinement.
On Oct. 31, 2018, Barkman succumbed to her injuries and the charge against Keeash was upgraded to second-degree murder.
Bud called several members of the Thunder Bay Police Service to testify on Monday, including two officers with the Forensic Identification Unit who processed the scene and the two officers who arrested Keeash.
According to the forensic identification officers, who also took the court through photos of the scene, a large amount of blood-like staining was observed on the living room floor. Cleaning supplies were also found near the staining and a mop was located in the sink with blood-like staining.
A broken knife blade was found on the floor and the handle on a table, both of which also had blood-like staining.
Several other items were seized from the residence, including two jackets with significant blood-like staining on the collar and front, one being found in a garbage bag on the living room floor.
Keeash’s clothing was also seized following his arrest and blood-like staining was found on his shoes. He did not have any injuries to his hands or arms.
During cross-examination, defense counsel George Joseph asked the forensic identification officers if the knife handle had been analyzed for fingerprints.
The officers said they were not aware if any fingerprinting was conducted on the knife handle and one stated that because there was known people involved and they were known to be in the apartment regularly, there was no immediate need to finger print the handle.
It was noted that fingerprinting of the knife could still be conducted.
The officers who arrested Keeash on Oct. 30 testified that he said he was returning to the residence to retrieve some clothing.
The officers also testified that Keeash remained calm during the arrest and willingly provided his name to officers and his demeanour did not change after being made aware of the charges.
The trial continues on Tuesday with the other two individuals inside the residence expected to testify.
