Cross-examination got underway Friday in St. Paul, Alta. in the second-degree murder trial of Deborah Doonanco.
The former Alberta teacher is charged in the death of her common-law partner Kevin Feland, 47.
READ MORE: Alberta woman charged with husband’s murder after body found in fire
Thursday, she told court she was in an abusive relationship with a man who was a drug user. She told the court he verbally threatened to kill her and her parents if she left.
Court heard about the complicated relationship between the accused and victim. They were married, then divorced, then got back together in late 2012.
“I was very depressed,” Doonanco said. “I would stare at my windows and think I had nobody.”
She testified that after they reunited, the violence resumed, Feland started to use crack and he became very paranoid. She told court she offered Feland $75,000 to leave.
Doonanco testified on May 25, 2014, Feland was coming off crack when she asked him to leave her home. She said that’s when he reached for a gun but she grabbed it first.
“I grabbed the gun to my body,” she said. “I shot him. I shot him and I ran. I never looked back.”
READ MORE: Former teacher on trial for 2nd degree murder; defence to argue battered woman syndrome
Feland’s body was later found in Doonanco’s Glendon, Alta. home. Doonanco called 911 to report a fire at the residence.
The defence is arguing Doonanco is a victim of battered woman syndrome.
Crown prosecutors want to show she was not fearful for her life while in a relationship with Feland.
During cross-examination Friday, the Crown asked Doonanco about a 2012 party where another woman grabbed Feland’s arm.
“I was jealous,” Doonanco testified. “I told her what I thought,” recalling the verbal confrontation that ensued.
The trial continues on Monday.
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News
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