A jury has delivered an Ajax murder verdict, finding Kyle Severin guilty of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of his girlfriend, Jennifer Polak.
Global News reported that jurors reached the verdict Friday evening after about six hours of deliberations. Polak, 45, was a mother of two and worked at an Ajax daycare.
Jury rejects intoxication defence
The defence argued that Severin was too intoxicated to form the intent required for murder and requested a manslaughter verdict while conceding that he caused Polak’s death.
Severin testified that Polak came to his Hillman Drive apartment on March 30, 2024. He said he used cocaine and a sleeping medication, blacked out and later found Polak covered in blood before calling 911.
The Crown argued that intoxication did not prevent intent. Prosecutors presented evidence about the relationship, text messages and Polak’s plan to end it. Court heard that Polak had been badly beaten and died after her jugular vein was cut.
Sentencing hearing to follow
Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence. A judge must set parole ineligibility between 10 and 25 years. A sentencing date had not been scheduled.
The Ajax murder verdict is a major development from earlier trial coverage, subject to appeal rights.
