Accused in murder trial went ‘crazy’ before shooting, says lawyer
A youth witness recalls hearing a gun shot
The first-degree murder trial of a Sanikiluaq man continues as a witness describes hearing a gun shot on the night of the alleged murder. (File photo)
A lawyer in a first-degree murder trial described the accused as “going crazy” just before he allegedly shot and killed his wife.
Danny Paul Eyaituk, who was 38 at the time, was arrested on April 19, 2024 after his wife Annie Tracy Oqaituq, 36, was found dead in their Sanikiluaq home.
On Friday afternoon, day four of the trial, a youth witness answered most questions with yes or no, while squeezing a stress ball. She agreed that, the evening before the alleged shooting, Eyaituk and Oqaituq were fine.
“Did it seem like Danny all of a sudden went crazy?” said defence lawyer Alan Regal.
“Yes,” said the witness, who cannot be identified due to a court imposed publication ban.
Everyone in the house became scared after Eyaituk’s mood change, she agreed.
“Did he shoot Annie right after going crazy?”
“Yes,” she said.
A second youth witness described hearing a gun shot on the night of the alleged murder.
“What did you do when you heard the gun?” Crown lawyer Emma Baasch asked.
After a long pause, the witness asked for a break while he reached for a tissue to wipe the tears from his eyes.
The witness later told Regal he had seen Eyaituk shoot Oqaituq.
On Wednesday, Parsa Oqaituq, the victim’s sister, testified that Eyaituk was suffering from mental health issues, including auditory and visual hallucinations.
She said the couple could become violent when drinking. She also said that on the day of the alleged murder, Eyaituk had consumed cocaine.
Also on Wednesday, arresting officer Const. Kevin Bechard-Dube said he thought Eyaituk was intoxicated.
The trial continues at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday in Sanikiluaq.
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