‘Today is the day you’re going to die’: Accused, witness testify in Wilkie care home trial

She described the sound as lasting “a few seconds… too long anyways.”

Herle acknowledged she did not personally witness what happened inside the room, but testified another staff member later told her the accused made a threatening remark to the resident.

“She told you that Jaclyn had said to [him], ‘Today is the day you’re going to die,’” defence counsel Meagan Ward asked during cross-examination.

“That is correct,” Herle responded.

During the defence’s cross-examination, lawyer Meagan Ward challenged Herle’s recollection, referencing an earlier police statement suggesting the accused also allegedly placed a hand or cloth over the resident’s mouth.

Herle initially said she did not remember that detail but later acknowledged it after reviewing footage of her RCMP interview.

“Well, if I said it on there, then yes,” she said, adding, “I just distinctly remember her saying it was the day you’re going to die. That’s what stuck with me.”

Elais admits joke but denies abuse claims

Elias later took the stand in her own defence, admitting she once referred to a resident as a “pervert” but denying other allegations of inappropriate conduct toward residents.

Under questioning by Crown prosecutor Danielle Elder, Elias acknowledged making the comment while leaning over the resident and speaking to a co-worker. She said it was part of what she described as a running joke among staff because the resident was known to stare at female staff members’ chests.

When asked whether such behaviour was appropriate, Elias responded “probably not.”

Elias rejected allegations she intentionally pressed her chest into residents or engaged in other inappropriate physical conduct.

She also denied placing a washcloth into a resident’s mouth, testifying the client sometimes placed her own hand or cloth in her mouth and that another worker only entered the room as she was removing it.

Elias confirmed she received workplace training addressing abuse and professional boundaries, including instructions not to yell at or touch clients in a sexual manner.

She also testified she had never been previously disciplined or warned about inappropriate conduct toward residents during her years working in care facilities.

Elias acknowledged she had disagreements with former co-worker Lisa Knuff, describing them as an ongoing workplace issue.

She testified she believed Knuff and Crown witness Erica Herle were friends and worked closely with other co-workers, suggesting workplace relationships contributed to tensions among staff.

Knuff testified earlier in the trial and alleged Elias pushed her chest into a resident’s face, placed a washcloth into a resident’s mouth, put her finger into a resident’s mouth and poked another resident in the groin area during care routines.

Court adjourned following testimony and is scheduled to return March 2 for a scheduling appearance, when dates for closing arguments are expected to be set.