At his trial for a mass stabbing three years ago at a northwest Edmonton warehouse, accused Jayme Pasieka took the stand in his own defence Wednesday.
Pasieka has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, for the mass stabbing that left two dead in a Loblaw warehouse on February 28, 2014.
The accused took the stand Wednesday morning, and spoke quietly but clearly – and testified that he needed help for mental health issues, and believed the attack would be a way out.
On the stand, Pasieka was questioned by his lawyer, and told court he had been hearing a voice, which he believed to be the devil, and said that voice had told him to hurt someone or kill himself.
Pasieka said the voice told him “You’re gonna suffer, I’ll never leave you.”
On the day of the attack, he told court he had chosen to give up, and bought two knives at a West Edmonton Mall store.
His lawyer asked: “Why did you arm yourself?”
Pasieka replied: “I was trying to find the help that I needed by giving up.”
His lawyer asked: “What was going through your mind while you were stabbing people?”
He said: “Just giving up in life.”
In court, Pasieka admitted to going to work at the warehouse, and stabbing multiple people there.
Two were killed: Thierno Bah, 41, and Fitzroy Harris, 50. Eight others were injured.
“I understood it was wrong,” Pasieka said Wednesday.
“You did?” His lawyer asked.
“Yes,” he responded.
Pasieka has pleaded not guilty to all charges, his lawyer is questioning whether he has the ability to form the intent needed for charges of first-degree murder, because of schizophrenia.
The Crown argues the attack was deliberate, planned and targeted.
The Crown prosecutor questioned Pasieka’s motivation, asking: “You went there to kill people so you could get help?” to which Pasieka replied: “Yes.
Finishing her examination, the Crown Prosecutor said: “You agree with me that everything went according to plan?”
Pasieka said “yes”.
Closing arguments are expected Thursday morning, and the judge will deliver instructions to the jury.
With files from Bill Fortier
