Skylar Dalyk found guilty of manslaughter, date for sentencing on Friday

The jury in the second-degree murder trial of Skylar Dalyk in Sudbury has come back with a verdict of manslaughter.

During the two-week trial, court heard that Tim Lamothe, who died of fatal stab wounds, was trying to collect a debt from Dalyk.

Dalyk's lawyer Bob Beckett said he is disappointed that the jury didn't accept his argument that Dalyk acted in self-defence.

He said it's been a very emotional time for both families.

A sentencing date has yet to be set.

Judge's instructions to the jury

In her address to the jury, Justice Louise Gauthier carefully outlined what to consider in reaching a guilty verdict.

Gauthier said the jurors must decide if it was Dalyk who caused Lamothe's death.

She told the jurors they have to be satisfied he caused the death unlawfully — and they must believe Dalyk was in a state of mind to commit murder.

Justice Gauthier also said the jurors may consider a verdict of manslaughter if they find Dalyk didn't mean to stab Lamothe.

She said they could also deliver a not guilty verdict.

Gauthier went over the evidence again and summarized the Crown and the defence theories.

She said the Crown suggested that Dalyk, who was being chased, stopped behind a house and stabbed Lamothe as he rounded the corner.

The defence said Dalyk, threatened by a man who had promised to break his legs, stabbed Lamothe to protect himself.

There are no witnesses to the stabbing, and the murder weapon has never been found.

The jury started deliberating Monday afternoon.