The Pit podcast concludes with judge's ruling in Fertuck murder trial
Justice Richard Danyliuk shares his decision
The Pit returns as the murder trial for Sheree's Fertuck's accused killer wraps up.
Police believe the 51-year-old Saskatchewan woman was murdered by Greg Fertuck, her estranged husband, on Dec. 7, 2015.
Greg has been on trial for first-degree murder at the court of King's Bench in Saskatoon since 2021. He has been representing himself since his defence lawyers withdrew mid-trial.
On June 14, 2024, the judge rules on whether or not Greg is guilty of killing Sheree. Family and friends gather in court to hear his decision on the matter. The podcast team explores the fallout from the decision, as those who loved Sheree Fertuck look for ways to move on without her.
Questions arise around what's next for Greg. Others look for ways to prevent deaths like Sheree's from happening again. Friends keep Sheree's memory alive. Listen here.
New to the podcast? Start here.
Previous episodes:
Justice Richard Danyliuk shares a detailed decision in court. He doesn't mince words. The ruling hits hard for Sheree's friends and family. Listen to Episode 16 here.
After the judge finally rules on the evidence he'll consider at the trial, the Crown and Greg Fertuck must decide how to proceed. Listen to Episode 15 here.
Greg explains why he thinks he's the victim. As witnesses are questioned again, Greg appears in court on another matter. The judge gives a stern lesson in courtroom etiquette. Listen to Episode 14 here.
A rural couple makes an unusual discovery under a shed and is called to testify in court. Greg forces his own lawyers to make a difficult decision. The trial brings more surprises as the seventh anniversary of Sheree's disappearance passes by. Listen to Episode 13 here.
The Mr. Big illusion is lifted. Greg's so-called friends turn out to be cops. And the details of the elaborate web of deception are revealed in court. We hear what Greg tells the crime boss. Our reporters learn more about Justice Danyliuk. Listen to Episode 12 here.
Greg's children testify against him in court. Police reveal what set the Mr. Big operation in motion, as observers consider whether the judge will accept the confession from it. Listen to Episode 11 here.
Prosecutors and police reveal their evidence against Greg, including blood DNA and cell phone data. They build a timeline of the day Sheree disappeared, but Greg tells a different version of what happened on Dec. 7, 2015. Listen to Episode 10 here.
A last-minute decision puts the trial on hold for another six months due to a regional outbreak of COVID-19. Sheree Fertuck's family is shocked and disappointed, Greg Fertuck is still in jail. But why would Greg's lawyers want their client in jail longer, and why couldn't this case go ahead when others have? Court documents reveal some answers. Meanwhile, someone close to Sheree finally speaks up. Listen to Episode 9 here.
With the trial about to begin, Greg's lawyer explains what he thinks will be the biggest factors deciding the verdict. With Sheree still missing, her sisters explain what they hope to learn from the trial. Listen to Episode 8 here.
A close relative thinks Sheree was dumped somewhere near the gravel pit. Police and volunteers searched the area when she disappeared, and again after the arrest. Could the searchers have overlooked her remains? And how does that affect the police case when there's no body? Listen to Episode 7 here.
Police have Sheree's alleged killer behind bars, but the suspect says he was scared into a confession. Our reporters investigate the controversial police technique that led to his arrest. Meanwhile, people close to Sheree break their silence. Listen to Episode 6 here.
A letter to the Saskatoon jail nets our reporters a meeting with the suspect. We hear from him for the first time. Listen to Episode 5 here.
Police announce a major breakthrough in Sheree's case. They've put someone behind bars. A former roommate of the suspect remembers a troubling conversation about Sheree, and the family of the accused protest his innocence. Listen to Episode 4 here.
Sheree gets married. Soon, cracks in their relationship begin to form. Court documents reveal troubles in Sheree's private life. There's a death threat, weapons, and the police get involved. Listen to Episode 3 here.
The search for Sheree Fertuck is underway. Police are digging, questioning, and looking for suspects. Suspicions about what might have happened to Sheree begin to emerge. A neighbour says he remembers hearing a loud noise. Listen to Episode 2 here.
It's winter in Saskatchewan and Sheree Fertuck is hard at work hauling gravel in her semi-truck. She has lunch with her mom but doesn't come back for supper. The next day, her semi is found abandoned in a gravel pit. Sheree is nowhere to be seen. Listen to Episode 1 here.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Victoria Dinh and Alicia Bridges are the co-creators of The Pit. They've travelled around Western Canada to interview people who might have clues about what happened to Sheree Fertuck.
Kendall Latimer has been part of the team since Episode 8, having come on board in 2021.
Alicia Bridges
Alicia Bridges has international experience and is known for her long-form news features. She is a passionate storyteller with interest in investigative genres. She continued to work on the podcast from afar for years after leaving CBC Saskatoon to relocate to Australia.
Kendall Latimer
Kendall Latimer is an award-winning journalist who works with CBC in Saskatoon. She joined the podcast team in 2021. She loves working on in-depth, compelling stories. She is passionate about using sound to tell stories, but she is also a writer, photographer and filmmaker.
Victoria Dinh
Victoria Dinh is a former journalist with CBC Saskatoon, known for her audio rich storytelling. She's passionate about working towards enterprise journalism and connecting with voices of those who are rarely heard from. Although she dabbles in quirky news, her interest lies in the true crime and investigative genres.
Explore the interactive 360 video
Take a look around this gravel pit — the last known whereabouts of Sheree Fertuck — in this 360-degree video experience.
CREDITS
- Senior producer: Coreen Larson.
- Managing editor: Paul Dornstauder.
- Communications and promotions: Jane Tran, Taron Cochrane and Justin Deeley.
- Graphic design: Brooke Schreiber.
- Legal counsel: Dustin Milligan.
If you have any information about this story please contact the journalists directly at thepit@cbc.ca.