David Thomas maintains that he did not kill Denise Bourdeau.
The 52-year-old was convicted last month of killing his on-again, off-again girlfriend in the early part of 2007.
Court heard that Thomas and Bourdeau left a New Year’s party in Waterloo together, and Bourdeau was never seen alive again.
Several months later, her remains were found along the banks of the Grand River.
Thomas was arrested in connection with the case in 2011. In March, a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder.
Days later, he filed a six-page notice of appeal – apparently without the help of his trial lawyers, one of whom tells CTV News he was not consulted in the decision.
In the notice, Thomas lists his reasons for appeal as a “mislead (sec) jury” and says he will “advise of further considerations once transcripts are read.”
Family members of Bourdeau say they hope the appeal will be struck down.
“We’ve waited eight years for justice,” daughter Jessica Haner said.
“All we can pray is that he doesn’t get it.”
Separate from the appeal process, a hearing has been scheduled for late May to determine Thomas’ parole eligibility.
