A picture of Mary Bird when she was escorted to court last week. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Testimony

Forensic pathologist says murder victim died from stab wound to the heart

Apr 23, 2026 | 1:45 PM

A man found deceased at a home near La Ronge had incurred over 200 injuries including a fatal stab wound to the heart.

Those were the findings of a detailed autopsy report presented on Thursday to the jury at the Mary Bird murder trial at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert.

The 24-year-old is alleged to be responsible for the death of 31-year-old Wilfred Ballantyne in November 2023.

When police arrived on scene, Ballantyne was found lying face down in the bathtub, and he was unconscious. He was then carried to the living room area so responders could attempt life resuscitation, but was pronounced deceased soon after by EMS.

Dr. Derek Musgrove testified to finding multiple stab wounds to the chest, back and neck areas during the autopsy. There were also various cuts and bruises to his face, arms and thigh.

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While Musgrove stated none of the other injuries were fatal in nature, they would have contributed to the overall blood loss.

The toxicology report found both alcohol and meth in Ballantyne’s system, and a trace amount of cocaine.

As per testimony heard earlier, three friends had gathered at the house and were drinking and doing drugs.

There was no mention of any problems, but when police examined the home, they found blood in multiple rooms and on multiple pieces of furniture. A blood stained hoodie was found stashed in the stove.

Over a dozen knives were found in the bathroom, including a large butcher knife.

A total of one month has been set aside for the trial that commenced last week.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Forensic pathologist says murder victim died from stab wound to the heart

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