The murder trial of Jeremy Skibicki, a Winnipeg man accused of killing his girlfriend, has come to a close after weeks of intense courtroom proceedings.
Skibicki was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, 33-year-old Crystal Andrews, in October 2019. The trial began on September 13, 2021, and the jury heard from multiple witnesses, including friends and family of the victim, as well as forensic experts.
According to the Crown prosecutor, Skibicki and Andrews had a tumultuous relationship, with frequent arguments and instances of violence. On the night of the murder, Skibicki allegedly strangled Andrews to death in their shared apartment.
During the trial, the defense argued that Skibicki had acted in self-defense, claiming that Andrews had a history of violence and had attacked him on the night of her death. However, the Crown presented evidence that contradicted this claim, including testimony from witnesses who stated that Andrews was a kind and gentle person.
After deliberating for several hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on the charge of second-degree murder. Skibicki showed no emotion as the verdict was read, while the victim’s family and friends wept in the courtroom.
The judge thanked the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and praised the professionalism of both the Crown and defense lawyers. Skibicki’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for a later date.
This trial has brought to light the devastating impact of domestic violence and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support in abusive relationships. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Crystal Andrews during this difficult time.
