A Manitoba man has pleaded not guilty to murdering four women

Defense attorneys for Jeremy Skibicki admitted in Winnipeg Superior Court Monday that their client killed four First Nations women, but they intend to argue that he is not criminally responsible because of his mental illness.

The last-minute admission prompted the Crown judge to agree to a single trial, where the issue of Mr Skibicki's mental capacity and intent to kill will now be the focus. The trial is expected to begin as scheduled on Wednesday.

The 12-member jury selected for the trial last month will be discharged this week, Crown Court judge Glenn Joyal said.

Mr. Skibicki is accused of first-degree murder of four First Nations women and dumping their bodies in two Winnipeg-area landfills in 2022.

One more time.