Accused intended to kill Kitsilano park caretaker, Crown tells 2nd-degree murder trial

The murder trial of the man accused in the gruesome killing of a popular Kitsilano park caretaker three years ago heard closing arguments from the Crown Tuesday in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver.

Brent White, 54, has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder of Justis Daniel, 77, who was found dead in his Tatlow Park caretaker's cottage on Dec. 10, 2021.

The court heard that Daniel died after being stabbed 42 times in the head, face and neck area and had suffered blunt force trauma to the head. 

White was arrested on March 26, 2022, after he was identified on video police had gathered from Tatlow Park and the surrounding area. Traces of Daniel's blood were found on a folding knife and sandals located in the van White lived in, court heard.

The defence is not contesting that White committed the homicide but says he acted in self-defence and had no intent of killing Daniel.

The court heard that the two men were acquaintances who had visited Daniel's cottage on occasions prior to his killing.

White testified earlier in the trial that the two were watching CNN together in Daniel's cottage when Daniel suddenly became violent and attacked him with a knife. White testified Daniel was claiming to be Iblis, the Islam equivalent of the devil, during the attack.

But the Crown says the claim of self-defence doesn't hold up under scrutiny and that the prolonged and brutal attack on Daniel proves an intent to murder. A finding of intent on behalf of the accused is required for a second-degree murder conviction.  

"There is much evidence to prove that Mr. White had the requisite intent," said Crown prosecutor Colleen Smith": the number and the nature of the injuries, the force that was required to inflict those injuries and as well Mr. White's own testimony, that he was 'recompensing' Justis Daniel for the actions he had taken toward him."

Smith also pointed to evidence from investigators that Daniel tried to cover up White's body and blood stains and that he took Daniel's key, locked the cottage door and disposed of the key to eliminate evidence connecting him to the crime scene.

Friends of Daniel who have been attending the trial describe him as a warm and friendly man who was well-known and liked in the neighbourhood. 

The trial continues on Thursday.