Accused killer breaks self-imposed silence, has questions for victim’s sister
OTTAWA — The man accused of killing three women in a revenge-fuelled rampage in the Ottawa Valley two years ago made an unexpected move Thursday during his first-degree murder trial: he actually took part.
Basil Borutski, who turned 60 this week, is facing three charges of first-degree murder for the September 2015 deaths of Carol Culleton, 66, Anastasia Kuzyk, 36, and Nathalie Warmerdam, 48. He had relationships with all three women, and spent time in jail twice after both Warmerdam and Kuzyk accused him of assault and uttering threats.
In a videotaped confession played earlier in the trial, Borutski told a provincial police officer the day after the deaths that he killed the women because they lied. He also went on lengthy rants about how he had been railroaded by police who were out to get him.
Borutski is representing himself in the trial, but until this week has refused to say a word, acknowledge the judge or ask any questions of any witnesses. Mostly he sits perfectly still in the prisoner’s box, often with his eyes closed.