One of Kristin Johnston’s best friends faced cross-examination, Monday, at the trial for the man accused of killing her.
Nicholas Butcher, 35, is facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection with Johnston’s death. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on trial at Nova Scotia Supreme Court.
READ MORE: Kristin Johnston’s final hours detailed by friends at Butcher murder trial in Halifax
Lisa Abramowicz told the court that she and Johnston had been friends since they were 12 and hung out on March 25, 2016 and in the early morning hours of March 26, 2016 — the day Johnston was found dead at her home in the Purcell’s Cove area.
On Friday, Abramowicz testified that she and Johnston went to a Halifax bar and eventually ended up at friend Mike’s home. At one point in the evening, Abramowicz said that Butcher came to Mike’s house and that Johnston escorted him out.
Under cross-examination, defence lawyer Peter Planetta brought forward some messages between Abramowicz and Johnston. The messages were sent after Abramowicz left Johnston at Mike’s place.
In them, Abramowicz typed the word “how’s” and included some emojis of a kissing face.
Planetta suggested to Abramowicz that the message she sent was referring to how’s it going between Johnston and Mike. However, Abramowicz told the court she was checking to see how Johnston was doing.
The defence also introduced another series of messages, this time between Abramowicz and Butcher. In them, Abramowicz congratulates Butcher on an interview and tells him to enjoy a romantic getaway just before Valentine’s Day.
Police have never said how Johnston was killed. But in their opening address to the court, the Crown said the Medical Examiner will testify that the 32-year-old yoga teacher died as the result of 10 wounds to her neck.
The court also heard testimony from Michael Belyea, 41. He told the eight-woman, six-man jury that he had known Kristin Johnston since 2009.
On the night of March 25, 2016, he told the court that went out with friends for a drink and ended up meeting up with Johnston and some other friends. He only stayed at the bar about half-an-hour before going home to his new apartment.
After exchanging some messages back and forth, Belyea said on March 26, 2016 around 1 a.m., Belyea said Johnston and Abramowicz came over to his house. Once there, he said the trio had a drink and listened to records.
WATCH: Kristin Johnston’s best friend testifies at Nicholas Butcher murder trial
Belyea said at one point, a man walked up the stairs and directly into his apartment, saying he was looking for Kristin. According to Belyea, Johnston and the man spoke inside before heading outside to continue their conversation. When Johnston came back inside, she told Belyea that she and her boyfriend had broken up.
A short time later, Abramowicz left the apartment and Belyea said he and Johnston were kissing in his bedroom when he felt someone push his shoulder. Belyea said the same man who previously walked into his place looking for Johnston was in his bedroom and asked Johnston what she was doing.
Belyea testified that neither Johnston nor the man were crying but he felt they were upset so he left the apartment so they could talk. Belyea said the man didn’t seem aggressive with Johnston. About 15 minutes later, he came back to his home and said that Johnston and the man were gone.
Around 5:30 a.m. on the same day, Belyea said he received a message from Johnston that said she was sorry. That was the last time Belyea heard from Johnston, she was found dead at her home later that day.
The defence is expected to cross-examine Belyea when court resumes Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
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