Psychiatrist takes the stand at murder trial

VERNON – The evidence Tuesday at a murder trial in Vernon came from a psychiatrist testifying for the defence.

Howard Krewson admits to shooting and killing his spouse, Linda Ross, at her hobby farm near Lumby in June 2014.

But Krewson claims he doesn’t remember doing it and denies he’s guilty of second-degree murder.

Krewson testified he smoked a lot of dope that fateful day, drank a lot of beer and popped a couple prescription pills.

His lawyer is arguing Krewson was so intoxicated he couldn’t form the specific intent to kill Ross that’s necessary for a murder conviction.

However, the prosecutor suggested to Dr. Kulwant Riar: “There was an intention to kill her or cause bodily harm. Do you agree with that?”

The psychiatrist responded: “Yes, I agree. He had that kind of intention at the time, to shoot her.”

But when the judge sought clarification, Riar said considering the circumstances: “I don’t think he had the intention to kill her.”

As for Krewson’s level of intoxication, Riar testified from blood sample testing for alcohol and marijuana it would have been “low” and Krewson would have appreciated the consequences of his actions.

A woman who was a friend of Ross’s describes her as a lovely woman who stuck up for the underdog and was willing to help anybody.

“To have your life taken like that, to be shot in the back, even drunk or toked up or whatever the excuses are, I don’t see why anybody should be shot, especially in the back,” says Wendy Johnston. “To me that’s a coward.”

The Crown’s theory is the couple was having an argument and Ross was shot through the window of her car while trying to leave the property.

Krewson then shot himself in the face.

The trial continues Thursday when the lawyers are expected to give their final submissions.