The trial of a southern Alberta woman charged with second-degree murder got underway on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in Medicine Hat. (Photo: CHAT News Today)

By Pattison Media

Murder trial underway in Medicine Hat with emotional testimonies

Jan 10, 2024 | 9:03 AM

lethMEDICINE HAT, AB – A warning that some of the details in this story are disturbing

The trial of a Suffield woman accused of second-degree murder in the death of her husband got underway Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Court of King’s Bench in Medicine Hat.

Alfred Belyea, a former Cypress County councillor, was reported missing over the Thanksgiving long weekend in October 2021. His body was found three days later in a field near Piapot, Saskatchewan.

His wife, Deborah Belyea, was arrested shortly after.

Court heard Tuesday that he was allegedly stabbed to death, his arms were missing, and his body was stuffed inside a container.

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The prosecution focused on a letter the suspect had reportedly written to her adult children that included a map of where the body was found, as well as other evidence expected to receive more attention later in the nine-day trial.

The defense, through cross-examination of the witnesses, aimed to highlight the woman’s failing health and lack of physical ability, suggesting that she would be unable to harm her husband.

The widowed Belyea arrived in the courtroom with a walker and suited up with an oxygen-breathing device. Her hair was tied in a bun and she wore dark pants and a black-and-white patterned blouse.

She sat in the prisoner’s dock and watched with muted expression as the first three witnesses who were part of the prosecution’s case took to the stand throughout the day.

RCMP Constable Adam George was the first witness to take to the stand Tuesday morning.

George interviewed Deborah after she filed the missing person’s report on October 11, 2021. He said Deborah was largely composed during the interview but did occasionally become emotional.

The next witness to testify was Jodi Wilson, one of Belyea’s three children. She described a close relationship with her father.

“My dad was my person,” Wilson told the court. “I looked up to him, I confided in him, I [sought] his approval in everything I do.”

The health of the accused was a large focus of testimony.

Trina Belyea, the eldest of the three children, was the third and final witness Tuesday.

Trina confirmed to defense lawyer Katherine Beyak that her mother Deborah suffered a stroke in 2001 and her health was never the same.

Wilson told court her mother has been using an oxygen tank on-and-off since 2009.

According to the defense, the accused struggled with the many stairs in Wilson’s home during a visit in August 2021.

That visit to British Columbia was the last time Wilson saw her father alive in person.

The trial resumes Wednesday inside the Court of King’s Bench.

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