Jeremy Skibicki trial: Man pleads guilty to murdering four women and faces no criminal charges

Jeremy Skibicki's defense attorneys admitted in court that the defendant killed four local women but argued that he was not criminally responsible for the deaths due to mental disorder — the latest revelation that touched off a judge's personal case, not a jury trial.

“At this point, the defendant is admitting to killing all four women and this is a new story,” Crown prosecutor Chris Vanderhooft said Monday morning in Manitoba Crown Court.

Skibicki has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Mairan and an unidentified woman identified by local leaders as Mashkode Bijikiikwe, or Buffalo Woman.

He pleaded not guilty.

Contois' partial remains were found in a dumpster and Winnipeg's Brady Landfill in 2022. Police believe the remains of Mayran and Harris are at the Prairie Green landfill outside Winnipeg. The remains of the fourth woman have not been found.

Chief Justice Glenn Joyal, who is presiding over the case, confirmed with Skibicki's defense attorney, Leonard Tyler.

“Am I correct in assuming that you, on behalf of Mr. Skibicki – Mr. Tyler, are admitting that Skibicki caused the deaths of all four victims?” Joyal asked.

“Yeah,” Tyler replied.

Although Skibicki has now confessed to the murders, the court heard the defendant's defense team plan to argue that they are not criminally liable through mental disorders.

In light of the new developments in the case, Crown prosecutors told the court they would now consent to a judge-only trial.

According to Joyal, the trial will now depend on Skibicki's mental capacity and intent to kill.

The trial will now begin on Wednesday and will be held without a jury.

This is an evolving story. One more time.