Speaking through a Macedonian interpreter, Boris Panovski told a Goderich court that he plans to represent himself at his trial for first-degree murder and attempted murder.
“I don’t want to use taxpayers’ money. I want the truth to be told. I trust in God,” Panovski testified.
Panovski is accused of killing Don Frigo, a 70-year-old construction executive, last September, and wounding his wife.
The couple were shot while horseback riding at the Hullett Wildlife Conservation Area near Clinton.
His wife was injured
Panovski was arrested weeks later while returning to Canada at Pearson International Airport.
Panovski and Frigo knew each other well, as both were active in the bird-dogging community.
Friends have said Frigo even acquired a dog from Panovski, and later changed its name.
At Monday’s court appearance, Justice Jeanine Leroy urged Panovski to get a lawyer.
“If I was charged with murder, I wouldn’t represent himself,” she told the Toronto resident.
Panovski expressed frustration with his previous lawyer, and said that he had yet to be given documents related to his case.
He also said that he has difficulty reading English and would likely need an interpreter’s assistance to go through the documents.
He returns to court March 12.
With files from CTV London
