Trial begins in Winnipeg murder case involving co-accused

The murder trial of Jonathan Michael Gladue began on Monday in Winnipeg. He is accused of second-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old George Nickolas Demos, who was found dead in a back lane in August 2023. Gladue has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution called a young man, who is now 19, to testify. He was also accused in the case but pleaded guilty to his role in the crime. This young man explained what happened the night Demos was killed. He said he and Gladue had been drinking before they met Nehemiah Jarren Fehr, who has since died. The youth testified that Fehr showed him a knife and later asked him to hold it. They then encountered Demos and another person while looking for cigarettes. The court heard that Fehr claimed Demos had a bag belonging to him and encouraged the youth to "jab him." Surveillance footage showed the moments before the stabbing, with the youth using the knife while Gladue stood nearby. Crown attorney Nadine Vasas described the incident as a robbery that escalated into violence. However, during cross-examination, Gladue's lawyer, Adam Hodge, pointed out that there was no intention to rob Demos. The youth agreed that they had already consumed alcohol and had money for cigarettes, which raised doubts about the robbery narrative. Hodge also emphasized that none of the group covered their faces and that the youth consistently maintained that Gladue was not involved in the attack. The trial is set to continue on Tuesday.