Closing arguments begin at Darryl Sheepway murder trial in Whitehorse

Closing arguments were set to begin Thursday at the first-degree murder trial of Darryl Sheepwayin Whitehorse.

Sheepway has admitted to fatally shooting Christopher Brissonin 2015during a drug deal rendezvous, but has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder.He says he was intoxicated by drugsat the time, and would plead guilty to thelesser charge of manslaughter.

Court heard from another psychiatrist this week, testifying about the possible effects of drug use on Sheepway's ability to think rationally and make decisions. The trial has heard that Sheepway had become a heavy user of crack cocaine in the weeks before Brisson'sdeath.

Dr.Philip Klassen, a Toronto psychiatrist who has studiedcocaine use and criminal intent,told the Yukon Supreme Courton Wednesday that he doubts Sheepway'saddiction had affected his ability to consider consequences. Klassenalso said that Sheepway's behaviour immediately before and after Brisson's shooting suggests he had not lost his ability to make decisions.

He said disorganization in thoughtand actionis a sign of somebody in an abnormal mental state due to heavy cocaine use.

Klassennoted Sheepwaytook steps to cover up the crime after Brisson'sdeath.

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Klassen was called to testify before Justice Leigh Gower by Crown prosecutors. There is no jury.

Klassen's appearance followed earlier testimony by another psychiatrist,Dr. ShabehramLohrasbe, who said Sheepwaywas likely in an abnormal, "hyper-reactive" state when he shot Brisson. According to Lohrasbe, Sheepwaywas likely unable to grasp the consequences of his actions.

'A hole inside Mr. Sheepway'

Klassen's testimony also delved into Sheepway'slifebefore the crime. He argued that Sheepway's troubles began long before, and stemmed from a deeply unhappy childhood.

"I think there is a hole inside Mr.Sheepway," Klassentold the court, "the hole you get when you feel you are not loved."

Defence lawyer Vincent Larochelle challenged that, saying Sheepwayhad a family anda job, but things fell apart when he began using crack cocaine.

Court heard that Sheepway robbed gas stations, stole from his parents and turned to prostitution to help pay for hisdrughabits.

Closing arguments at the trial could wrap up later Thursday or Friday.

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