Greg Fertuck may seek mistrial just days before verdict in his murder trial

The judge has told the Crown and defence that Greg Fertuck, on trial for murder, wants to call more witnesses and apply for a mistrial, even though the verdict is due June 14.

A last-minute development was announced Monday evening in a Saskatchewan court case just days before a trial verdict.

A letter written by Justice Richard Danyliuk to the Crown and defence said alleged killer Greg Fertuck wants to call more witnesses to the stand and apply for a mistrial, 11 days before his verdict in Saskatoon.

Fertuck is on trial for first degree murder following the disappearance of his ex-wife nearly 10 years ago. Her body has never been found. Fertuck confessed to her death in 2019 when speaking with undercover police who were posing as members of a crime group. During his trial, he told the judge multiple times that his statements were lies.

The evidence portion of his trial closed in February after almost four years before the court. Fertuck is being tried by judge alone.

On Monday, Justice Danyliuk said he received an email from Brent Little, who is helping Fertuck through his trial while he self-represents, saying Fertuck would like to call more witnesses to the stand and make an application for a mistrial.

“He has advised, on his own volitions, that he would like to address the Court as it relates to retaining his own firearm expert and making an application for a mistrial,” Little’s email stated.

Justice Danyliuk said the timing “could not be much worse,” noting this isn’t the first time Fertuck has had the opportunity to call additional witnesses.

“I am unclear as to why Mr. Fertuck’s previous request to call an expert witness made in late 2023, and for which I granted him a very lengthy adjournment, was not acted upon,” Danyliuk said. “When the defence called evidence, no firearms expert was called by Mr. Fertuck.”