Two people have been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death on an Ontario Provincial Police officer. A jury returned its verdicts for Randall McKenzie and Brandi Stewart-Sperry just after 9:00 p.m. on Thursday April 24th, about six-and-a-half hours after they began deliberations. Both were sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 25 years.
The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, Thomas Carrique, and the Pierzchala family provided a statement.
“This has been an incredibly challenging period for Provincial Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala’s family, the members of the OPP and their loved ones. Provincial Constable Pierzchala was a committed officer who served with courage and integrity. His loss continues to be felt by the entire policing community.
The conclusion of this trial has weighed heavily on all of us. This verdict is an important step as we focus on moving forward with continuing the important work Greg started and contributing to the everlasting impact he had on so many people, personally and professionally. We remain united in our advocacy for bail reform and maintain our absolute, unwavering support for officers who risk their lives daily. We would like to thank the investigative team, the Crown Attorneys and all involved for their tireless efforts.”
– OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and Pierzchala family
When McKenzie was given a chance to speak before sentencing, he said, “I’m honestly so sorry to your family. What happened is … how do you say it … that shouldn’t have happened to nobody. I don’t know what to say.”
28-years-old Constable Pierzchala was fatally shot on Dec. 27, 2022 while he was responding to a call about a vehicle in a ditch on Indian Line near Hagersville. He had just learned that morning that he had successfully completed his probationary period with the OPP’s Haldimand County detachment.
“Mr. McKenzie, your actions here were callous, cold-blooded and an assassination of a young officer in the prime of his life, just starting out his career,” said Justice Andrew Goodman as he read out the mandatory sentence. “[There is] no excuse whatsoever for your actions in this regard.”
When Goodman spoke to Stewart-Sperry he said her participation as an aider and abettor also resulted in her receiving the sentence for first-degree murder. He called her actions ‘cold-blooded and callous.’
Stewart-Sperry declined to speak.
McKenzie nor Stewart-Sperry will be released before December 2047. They must provide DNA samples and will have a lifetime ban on possessing, owning or carrying weapons. They also cannot contact various members of the Pierzchala family.
There is no word yet on whether there will be an appeal.
