Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

John Ike Koopmans at earlier court appearance

The defence lawyer for John Ike Koopmans told the jury, Thursday, the accused will take the witness stand in his own murder trial.

Don Skogstad provided the information in a brief address after Crown counsel concluded its case.

Koopmans is accused of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of Robert Keith Wharton, 43, and Rosemary Fox, 32, and the attempted murder of Bradley Martin, 50, on March 30, 2013, at a rural property on the outskirts of Princeton.

The accused, Skogstad said, will explain everything that happened the night of the shootings, including when he left his then-girlfriend Elaine Hoiland's home and that he had nothing against any of the three victims.

Skogstad said the accused will cover everything and answer all questions the Crown has.

Defence expects to call more witnesses, who will talk about their experiences with Koopmans and others.

The trial has gone on for several weeks in Penticton, with the Crown calling witnesses including the survivor of the shootings Bradley Martin, Hoiland, Wharton's mother, acquaintances, forensics experts and police officers.