THUNDER BAY — A verdict is expected next month in the second-degree murder trial against Peter Keeash for his alleged role in the 2018 stabbing death of 32-year-old Irene Barkman.
Justice Danial Newton is scheduled to deliver his verdict on Dec. 9. At the opening of the trial in August, Keeash pleaded not guilty to the charge of second-degree murder, as well as two counts of uttering threats and one count of forcible confinement.
Keeash was first charged on Oct. 31, 2018 following an incident two days prior at a residence on the 300 block of Dufferin Street.
First responders were called to the residence for reports of an unconscious female. Paramedics observed the female, later identified as Barkman, on the floor in a pool of blood with injuries to her face and neck.
Barkman was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre where she underwent emergency surgery. She died two days later from her injuries.
A post-mortem examination determined Barkman sustained four stab wounds to her neck, including one that punctured her carotid artery, resulting in significant blood loss and insufficient oxygen flow to her brain.
During the trial, Crown prosecutor Gordon Filmore called several witnesses to testify who were inside the Dufferin Street residence the night of Oct. 29, 2018.
According to the witnesses, Keeash was seen assaulting Barkman following an argument and he was seen with a knife in his hand.
A broken knife blade was found inside the residence with blood-like staining. According to DNA analysis, Barkman could not be excluded as the source of the DNA profile found on the knife.
There were discrepancies between what the witnesses testified to seeing, however, Filmore argued all the evidence pointed to Keeash having attacked Barkman.
Defence lawyer George Joseph questioned the credibility of one witness who was present inside the Dufferin Street residence and testified to Keeash asking if he wanted Barkman dead.
Joseph raised the concern that the witness's testimony differed from his original statement given to police following the incident and argued the Crown’s theory ignored facts that are inconsistent in the case.
In his closing submission, Joseph suggested if Keeash is found to be the one who inflicted the fatal stab wound to Barkman, the judge must determine if Keeash had the intent to commit second-degree murder, arguing it requires a proof of state of mind.
The verdict will come three months after the conclusion of the trial.
