Accused in murder case to act as own lawyer, claims mental disorder

KAMLOOPS – The man accused of murdering a 26-year-old in his Cherry Avenue apartment says he will represent himself in his trial to pursue a not criminally responsible due to mental disorder defence.

Christopher Frank Butler, born 1973, made a brief video appearance in Kamloops Provincial Court Monday morning where he told a Justice of the Peace he dismissed his lawyer and will act as his own counsel.

Butler is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Deanne Genevieve Wheeler. Her body was found in an apartment unit at 435 Cherry Avenue on Dec. 30.

The accused told Crown prosecutor Alex Janse he’s researching legal arguments to do with mental disorders. Then he began to speak incoherently about "witchcraft" and "unicorns." He said he spoke to Justice Minister Peter MacKay.

“Did he send any paperwork?” Butler asked Janse.

Janse replied she didn’t receive anything from MacKay.

“I guess I’m on my own then,” Butler said.

Butler says he will appear in person for his next court appearance on Tuesday, March 17.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.