An argument over money that was apparently put on paper was also later put to the jury at Keith Wiens’ murder trial.
The retired Mountie is accused of second-degree murder in the August 2011 shooting death of his common-law wife Lynn Kalmring at their Penticton home.
His trial began in May in B.C. Supreme Court in Kelowna. Near the beginning of the proceedings, the jury was given a letter recovered by a police officer at the couple’s townhouse in the Sandbridge gate community.
The letter was not read into the record, so a reporter for Infotel News then applied to the court for access, which was granted late last week.
The three-page letter dated Jan. 1, 2011, was addressed to “Lynn” and signed by “K.”
It was written in black pen, however, it also features comments written in pencil that appear to have been added later.
It begins: “I don’t take kindly to be told “f--- you”… however that’s alright. I can accept it!! One of my 2011 goals is for financial success for both of us, however I can no longer do it alone on the Arizona house, I am sorry to say.”
The letter goes on to suggest Lynn begin paying $291 month to cover her half of the expenses on a summer home in Arizona, or the property might have to be sold.
“So… seeing it is in both our names, I am going to suggest we sell it…. giving you a very nice profit for doing f--- all. (financially speaking),” K wrote.
Added in pencil is the comment: “Do what u need to do — but please don’t threaten me.”
K goes on: “I think love is a great thing, however starting January, 2011 it will be a two way street regarding financial matters, and I will get into Canadian property starting February 2011, once again to make love a 2 way street.”
Both references to love were crossed out with pencil, as was a later mention of getting married, which was replaced with “not anymore.”
The letter concludes: “Love you, K”
Earlier in the trial, the jury heard evidence that the couple had been arguing about money in the days before Kalmring was killed.
The jury also heard that Wiens called 911 on the night of her death and told a dispatcher he had a made “a big, huge mistake,” and, “something got out of hand here tonight.
Kalmring was found with a kitchen knife in her hand, although the Crown has suggested it was placed there after her death by Wiens. The defence is expected to argue that he shot her in self-defence.
The trial is on a break this week and scheduled to resume July 8.