After testifying on his own behalf, the defence in Nicholas Butcher’s second-degree murder trial officially closed its case.
Butcher, 36, is accused of killing Kristin Johnston, a popular Halifax yoga instructor. The 32-year-old was found dead at her home in the Purcells Cove area in March 2016.
Butcher and Johnston were in a relationship around the time of her death.
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Under cross-examination by Crown Attorney Carla Ball, Butcher denied the Crown’s suggestion that the wounds on his neck were self-inflicted.
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Butcher was the only defence witness. He testified last week that he and Johnston went to bed in the early morning hours of March 26, 2016 and woke up to someone on top of him, stabbing him in the throat.
Butcher said he didn’t know who was on top of him but was able to flip the person over and grab the knife, subsequently stabbing the person multiple times in the neck.
It was only after Butcher turned a lamp on that he realized Johnston was dead.
The jury was sent home early on Monday and will return Thursday at 9:15 a.m., at which time closing arguments in the case will begin.
The jury will be sequestered and start deliberations in the case once Justice Joshua Arnold delivers his final instructions.