The trial concerning the death of a teenager in BehchokÇ«Ì reached its fifth day of witness testimonies on Friday. Zakk Lafferty, aged 24 at the time of being charged, pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge in the August 2023 death of 17-year-old Deijean Drybones in BehchokÇ«Ì. The trial, which commenced in Yellowknife on Monday, is anticipated to span at least 10 days.
During the trial, forensic pathologist Cecilia Wu, testifying via video call from Edmonton, revealed that Drybones died from a stab wound to his upper right chest, causing two injuries to the vena cava veins in his heart. The specific type of blade used in the stabbing could not be determined. Wu also disclosed that Drybones had alcohol levels above the legal limit at the time of his death, although this did not contribute to the fatal outcome.
Lafferty claimed that he went straight home following an attack. In a video presented in court, Lafferty, sporting a bandaged right eye and a sore neck, recounted being assaulted the previous night after seeking a friend. He described a gathering where he and Drybones, among others, watched music videos and consumed alcohol. Lafferty asserted that he was later attacked by the group and had his belongings taken.
Investigator challenges arose during the trial, with discrepancies in Lafferty’s account and witness statements. The police discovered a nearly empty blue label Smirnoff bottle outside the party house. Despite searching Lafferty’s residence, no pertinent evidence was found.
The trial will resume with the completion of the Crown’s witness testimonies and the initiation of the defense’s case.
