Skip to content

Two accused of murdering OPP officer appear in court

One of the two suspects in the killing of an Ontario Provincial Police officer is a former Thorold resident who was wanted by Niagara police at time of shooting
20221229brandistewartsperry
Brandi Stewart-Sperry, wanted by Niagara Regional Police, was arrested in connection with the shooting death of OPP Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala.

CAYUGA, ONT. — A man and a woman accused of murder in the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer have had their case put over until next month. 

Randall McKenzie, 25, and Brandi Crystal Lyn Stewart-Sperry, 30, each face a charge of first-degree murder in Const. Greg Pierzchala's death.

Stewart-Sperry is a former Thorold resident who was wanted by Niagara Regional Police at the time of the shooting.

McKenzie and Stewart-Sperry appeared briefly from correctional facilities by video feed before a Cayuga, Ont., judge Tuesday afternoon, and their next court date was set for March 21. 

Defence teams told the court they will need time to review a second wave of evidence disclosures the Crown says will arrive by the end of the week. 

Pierzchala was shot while responding to a call for a vehicle in a ditch west of Hagersville, Ont., which is south of Hamilton, on Dec. 27 and later died in hospital.

Police have said Pierzchala was ambushed and had no chance to defend himself. 

The Canadian Press