Friend's testimony alleges marital struggles at trial of man accused of killing missing wife
The trial of John Sedo, accused of killing his missing wife, resumed Wednesday with the couple's longtime friend and former police inspector taking the stand to shed light on the Sedo's relationship and the events leading up to Helen Sedo's disappearance in 2020.
Retired Toronto police inspector James Brown shared with the Newmarket courtroom that he, John and Helen had known each other for roughly 50 years, having attended high school together.
Brown disclosed he first became aware of troubles in the Sedo's marriage around 2017 or 2018, but then told the court he saw them socially later, and they "seemed like a normal, happy couple."
It wasn't until a few years later, on July 31, 2020, Brown testified he got a call from John.
He said John "sounded stressed" and wanted to speak with him in person.
Brown told the courtroom John told him he and Helen got into an argument two days earlier, on July 29, about caring for her father, who was battling dementia in a long-term care home, and she left.
The former cop testified John told him he had gone to get Helen's car that was being repaired, and when he got home, she was gone.
During cross-examination, Brown admitted uncertainties about the events, acknowledging potential inaccuracies in his memory.
He recounted John's account of going to Huntsville to clear his head and ride his dirt bike, leaving his cell phone behind. He said John returned to Aurora to find Helen still missing on July 30.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
Brown told the court John called him the following day and said Helen was gone. He testified to telling John to contact the police the next morning and gather information for the investigators.
The Crown questioned why the retired officer of 35 years didn't advise his friend to call the police immediately to report his wife missing, to which Brown responded he didn't know.
He also said he couldn't remember if John stayed the night at his house and said he had assumed Helen wanted some space from her husband.
When pressed further, Brown said he couldn't confirm whether John actively searched for Helen and told the courtroom he had no idea what transpired, adding, "I am incredibly conflicted and stressed about this."
The trial is scheduled to continue with expected testimony from York Regional Police investigators.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE @ 11:15 A.M. MT Extent of Jasper wildfire damage still unknown; Alberta Wildfire hosting update
Officials are waiting to learn Thursday morning the extent of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite of Jasper National Park, which flames began to eat away at the night before.
WATCH LIVE Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
WATCH LIVE 'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
Prince William made $42 million from his newly inherited estate last year, reports show
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.