Saskatchewan farmer pleads guilty to murdering wife with strychnine in drink
BATTLE FORD –
A Saskatchewan man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for poisoning his wife on his family farm.
Today in Battleford court, a judge sentenced Michael MacKay, 41, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 10 years.
Cindy MacKay of Meota, 38, passed away in February 2020.
Court heard medical staff contacted the RCMP because his death appeared suspicious.
The judge heard that Michael MacKay mixed strychnine, a toxic pesticide, into a drink he served to his wife, causing her a painful death.
An agreed statement of facts read in court said the couple met in 2004 at church, married shortly after and went on to have three children.
The document says Michael MacKay was having an affair.
It is said that a few days before poisoning his wife, he texted the other woman: “Goodbyes will probably be in a few days.”
Family members told the court that Cindy MacKay was a loving mother and that her death left them broken and fearful.
