Mac Olsen
Express Staff
Edward John Chomiak has been found guilty of first degree murder in the death of his ex-wife, Melody Perry. He has also been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Jerica Bouchard.
Chomiak’s murder trial was held in the Court of Queen’s Bench in Peace River during Aug. 8-12, after numerous delays.
Chomiak’s trial was by judge alone, with Madame Justice M.T. Moreau presiding. The first three days were devoted to court proceedings and testimony.
The fourth day was devoted to the verdicts and the reading of several victim impact statements.
The judge, Crown prosecutor and defence counsel had to determine the admissibility of some of the victim impact statements and one was excluded.
Some people chose to read their statements openly and others declined. The judge read the latter ones to herself and they were entered into evidence.
Chomiak’s sentencing was not completed at press time. That will be featured as part of an extended story in a future edition of the Smoky River Express.