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Victoria Man Who Killed Housemate with Hatchet Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Veronica Jackson found Michael King guilty of second-degree murder for killing his 70-year-old housemate Michael Jones at their Chester Avenue home in 2023.
Tension between the housemates had escalated over Jones's smoking in the home, with King telling police Jones was a 'scumbag' who threatened him, a claim corroborated by a neighbor.
King struck Jones five times with a hatchet, then washed the weapon and traveled to his mother's home—behavior Jackson deemed 'inconceivable' for someone experiencing drug-induced psychosis.
Jackson rejected the defense's argument that King's schizoaffective disorder and drug use impaired his intent, finding instead that his actions were 'goal-oriented and focused' throughout the attack.
A hearing is scheduled for June 17 ahead of sentencing, where King faces an automatic life sentence with a minimum of 10 years before parole eligibility.

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B.C. man found guilty in 2023 murder of 70-year-old housemate - Creston Valley Advance

The man who killed 70-year-old Michael Jones in his Chester Avenue residence in 2023 has been found guilty of second-degree murder after Justice Veronica Jackson delivered her verdict at a hearing on Thursday (May 28). On March 6, 2023, Jones was found with life-threatening injuries to his head, and on March 15, he died in hospital as a result of his injuries. On April 3 that year, Michael King was charged with second degree murder. It was later…

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