‘I was extremely doped up’: Credibility of Saskatoon murder trial witness questioned

WATCH: Andrew Rosenfeldt’s trial continued Wednesday with his aunt testifying the couple argued over Snapchat before the fatal shooting.

The credibility of a key Crown witness was challenged Wednesday in a Saskatoon second-degree murder trial.

Andrew Rosenfeldt, 28, is accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, 20-year-old Nykera Brown.

She was found shot in the head on Nov. 15, 2022, inside the Avenue P South apartment the couple shared with Rosenfeldt’s aunt, Robbin Vermette.

Vermette has been on the witness stand for two days.

• Get the latest news from Saskatoon, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

On Wednesday, Crown prosecutor Elizabeth Addabor highlighted inconsistencies between Vermette’s testimony in court and a statement she gave to police just hours after the shooting.

Vermette said she had been heavily medicated when police interviewed her.

“I was doped up, extremely doped up. I barely knew what city I was in,” Vermette testified, adding that she takes about 24 medications daily.

A fight about Snapchat

Vermette initially told the court Tuesday that Brown and Rosenfeldt argued around 5 p.m. The next day, on the stand, she said it happened earlier, “when it was light out.”

After reviewing her police interview transcript, Vermette agreed the argument had been sparked by Snapchat.

“[Brown] was going into his account, and she was getting upset with what she was seeing,” she testified.

Court heard the couple had been dating for about a year. Vermette testified she would frequently overhear the couple arguing but didn’t think it was unusual.

“Last night my boyfriend and I had a big doozy, he kicked me out a couple times,” Vermette said, before getting cut off by Addabor.

A conversation about suicide

Vermette testified she had a serious conversation with Brown about a week before her death.

“Andrew went to the store, she looks to me, and she says ‘I want to kill myself ... she said, ‘I don’t want to be around,’” Vermette testified.

She said she encouraged Brown to go get treatment.

Vermette said she had nicknamed Brown “my girl,” despite earlier telling the court she did not know her well.

Throughout the trial, the defence suggested Brown’s death was a suicide. When a forensic pathologist who examined the body took the stand, defence lawyer Chris Murphy asked whether Brown could have fire the gun herself.

“You’re asking me, is it possible she did it? Certainly it is. That weapon is not long enough to preclude her arms from being able to hold it and pull the trigger,” Dr. Shaun Ladham responded at the time.

But in a taped police interview played in court, Rosenfeldt claimed two men in balaclavas, black clothes and red shoes broke in to the apartment that night and shot Brown.

Surveillance footage showed no masked men entering or leaving the building during that timeframe.

Police later found a gun tucked underneath the box spring of the couple’s bed.

The Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Rosenfeldt shot and killed his girlfriend.

As defence lawyer Chris Murphy wrapped cross-examination Wednesday, he thanked Vermette for answering his questions.

“No problem,” Vermette replied.

“Anything for my godson.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with mental illness, resources are available:

• Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338)
• Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
• Kids Help Phone [phone])
• If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.