Midland murder trial enters final week with accused claiming self-defence

Warning: Details in this article may be disturbing or triggering to some readers.

The trial of a Midland man accused of murder in the fatal stabbing of his tenant three years ago is in its final week as the Crown and defence prepare to make their closing arguments to the jury.

During the trial, the jury was presented evidence, including images from the scene and the frantic 911 call.

“Just get here and help him. He’s going to die, man,” Rick Patrick could be heard saying in the call to emergency services following the incident on Dec. 16, 2021.

During the call, Patrick claims he stabbed Chris Forrester, 36, in the chest in self-defence.

“I just got home, went to get out of my car and he ran at me from behind and attacked me, and I had a knife behind me, and I stuck him with it because he was trying to attack me,” the jury heard as the 911 call was played.

• Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
• Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox

The courtroom was also presented evidence collected by first responders from the scene outside Patrick’s Midland home, including the small throwing knife he used to kill Forrester.

The court heard of growing tensions between Patrick and Forrester that led to a year-long battle to evict Forrester for a year’s-worth of rent owed to him.Evidence presented in the fatal stabbing of Chris Forrester in Midland, Ont., on Dec. 16, 2021. (Court exhibit)

The jury also heard Forrester had a history of mental health struggles including anxiety, depression and a personality disorder.

The court heard at the time of Forrester's death, he was wanted for a mischief charge. Patrick told the court Forrester cut the cable cord to his property and had slashed his tire and broke a window.

While Patrick, 68, maintains he didn’t intend to kill Forrester, the Crown argues it was second-degree murder.

Closing arguments from the Crown and defence are expected to begin Wednesday, followed by Justice Clyde Smith’s instructions to the jury before deliberations.