Richard Taylor continues to deny murder charges, “I did not kill my mom and Al.”

Richard Taylor has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his mother Carla, and stepfather Alan Rutherford. They both died as a result of a 2018 fire at their Dundas home, which fire investigators at the time said was arson.

Lawyers wrapped up their questioning of Taylor at his trial on two charges of first-degree murder. He admitted to lying and taking money but said he’s not a killer.

In his final moments on the stand, Taylor told the court repeatedly “I did not kill my mom and Al.”

In questioning by police, and in court, Taylor denied committing the crime. Crown prosecutors argue that Taylor did it because he was deeply in debt and wanted money from his mother’s estate.

Taylor admitted in court that he lied to a lot of people and dealt with money badly.

Taylor admitted spending money he was handling for his mother’s estate after she died, saying “did I spend some of it? Yes. I was in a bad place. I was a suspect. Life wasn’t good. Spending money helped me feel better.”

The Crown prosecutor suggested that to get money, Taylor “would burn his mother to death.” Taylor replied, “no, there was no plan. I did not kill my mother and Al.” “I did not commit that crime,” Taylor says he was crushed by his mother’s death.

After the fire broke out at the Dundas home, Al Rutherford jumped out a window and ran to neighbours, saying “Rich is the one that did this,” before dying a short time later.

The prosecutor suggested, “if Al had not had the strength to jump out of the window you would have gotten away with it.” Taylor replied, “I haven’t gotten away with anything. I did not kill my mother and Al.”

The lawyers have finished their questioning and will make their final addresses to the jury on Monday. The judge says he expects to conclude his instructions to the jury next Wednesday when they can start their deliberations on whether Taylor is guilty or innocent.