CALGARY – Closing arguments in the Nicholas Rasberry murder trial are scheduled to begin on Monday.
Rasberry is charged with the second-degree murder of Calgary teacher Craig Kelloway, who was stabbed 37 times in Rasberry’s Auburn Bay home in May 2013.
He chose not testify in his own defence.
READ MORE: ‘I remember the moment of stabbing him’: Court hears Rasberry video interview
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On Thursday, the defence called its only witness, Dr. Sergio Santana. The court qualified him as an expert psychiatrist on the “flight or fight” syndrome. He testified in general terms, not commenting specifically on Rasberry’s case. He described it as defensive mechanism also referred to as accute stress response. The doctor told court flight or fight causes the body to release adrenaline and “makes a person ready for action” when there’s a threat present.
The Crown concluded its case on Wednesday.
READ MORE: ‘I pray every night for justice for Craig’: Calgary murder victim’s mother
Rasberry and Kelloway lived two doors apart and didn’t meet until the day Kelloway was killed. Along with their significant others, they met for drinks, a barbecue and additional late-night drinks.
Rasberry has pleaded not guilty, admitting he did kill Kelloway, but saying it was self-defence after the man threatened to sexually assault him.
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