Peter Khill found not guilty

A not guilty verdict yesterday in the second degree murder case of Peter Khill has sparked shock and outrage for some and a range of reaction online. It’s a case that has attracted a lot of attention with a jury screened for potential racism, given the fact the victim was indigenous.

This was a tense and closely watched case and this verdict has lead to the Indigenous community calling for an overhaul of the justice system. Others questioning how far homeowners can go to protect their property.

Twenty-eight year old Peter Khill walked out of the courthouse a free man yesterday.

A jury accepting his explanation that he shot Jon Styres, an Indigenous man from nearby Six Nations in self defense.

From the outset, there was concern that race may influence the verdict and jurors were asked if they could be impartial.

But the court heard race did not play a role in the shooting.

It was the early morning darkness of February 4th 2016, when Khill confronted Styres, who he believed was trying to steal his truck outside his Binbrook home. Testifying he thought Styres was pointing a gun at him, and if he didn’t shoot him, he would be shot.

The 29 year old father of two from Six Nations did not have a gun.

Khill’s former military training played a key part to his claim of self defense and he took the stand during the two week trial.

It’s not clear whether the crown will try to appeal, but both these lawyers say it is unlikely. Khill still faces a civil lawsuit from Lindsay Hill, the mother of Styres two children.

The two million dollar suit alleges Khill behaved negligently, and they suffered mental distress and psychological damage because of his actions that night.