Resolution discussions underway in multiple stabbing case

Resolution discussions are underway in the case of an Edmonton man accused of a deadly 2014 stabbing rampage at a west-end warehouse, court heard Friday.

A four-week block set aside in February for the first-degree murder trial of Jayme Pasieka, 31, was vacated and Crown prosecutor Kimberly Goddard told court that discussions between her and defence lawyer Peter Royal regarding a resolution were “ongoing.”

The two sides also confirmed in court that a defence of Pasieka being not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder was not an issue in the double-homicide case.

The matter is slated to be back in court on Feb. 26 to get the results of an updated psychiatric assessment regarding Pasieka’s fitness to stand trial.

Pasieka is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection with the deadly Feb. 28, 2014, knife attacks at the Loblaws warehouse in west Edmonton.

He is accused of stabbing six people, including the two deceased, Fitzroy Harris, 50, and Thierno Bah, 41.

According to city police search warrant documents, Pasieka allegedly left his home wearing a bullet-proof vest and armed with two knives and then went to a military surplus store to buy two larger knives.

He then went to the warehouse where he worked for his 2 p.m. shift and began attacking co-workers.

A manhunt ensued and Pasieka was arrested without incident about 5 p.m. when tactical team members boxed in his 1999 green Ford Explorer on 39 Street at 74 Avenue.

In 2011, Pasieka was put on probation after being convicted of assault with a weapon and uttering threats relating to a 2010 neighbour dispute where he lit a heart-shaped fire in a north-side cul-de-sac and egged a man’s van.

During trial, a city cop testified Pasieka was wearing camouflage pants, archery wrist guards and boots with spurs when he arrested him and said he seized a bow with four arrows, bear spray and a collapsible baton.

Court also heard Pasieka “stood at attention” in a paramilitary stance while the officer was trying to search him and said everything he had done was “for the Queen.” Court documents from the case reveal family members believed Pasieka was suffering from undiagnosed schizophrenia at the time and an aunt reported she caught him holding conversations with people who do not exist and said he told her that he hears voices.