As the trial of a man accused of first-degree murder was set to begin Monday, the 37-year-old instead pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. The accused, Edin Vrazalica, also pleaded guilty to the charge of offering indignity to human remains for his role in the death and mutilation of Lee Perkins. In February of 2024, the remains of 25-year-old Lee Perkins were found by police executing a search warrant on a home in Saskatoon. Perkins’ remains had been ‘crammed’ into a plastic tote. Further investigation revealed the 25-year-old from Alberta had been tortured and mutilated in his final hours. “It’s not an easy day when the Crown has to come into court and accept a plea to manslaughter when the original charge is first degree murder. But we our thoughts are with the Perkins family today,” said Crown prosecutor Cory Bliss. Bliss said the Crown was aware of the potential guilty plea ahead of time. Adding that while the severity of the crime is significant, the time since Perkins’ death has created difficulties in the case. “The Crown has to assess its case constantly. These charges were laid in early 2024, but things have happened since 2024. Witnesses have passed away. Other witnesses have changed some of the potential evidence,” Bliss said. Vrazalica is one of two men charged in relation to Perkins’ death. Dillon Singler previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his involvement in the crime. Additionally, Chantal McLaren pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact, while her second charge of indignity to human remains is expected to be withdrawn at sentencing. “Mr. Vrazalica is deeply remorseful for his actions on February first and second, 2024. He has always been willing to accept his role, which was a manslaughter. And he accepted that role today,” said Chris Murphy, the defence lawyer representing Vrazalica. Murphy added that at the time of the crime, Vrazalica was in the throes of a significant drug addiction and was at the ‘darkest point in his life’. “He’s deeply, deeply remorseful for the pain that he’s caused (Perkins’) family. And he hopes that by pleading guilty, he’s giving them some element of peace in their lives,” Murphy said. According to the information shared in court, an altercation related to missing drugs resulted in Perkins being tortured. The crime was recorded on video, which captures the victim’s fingers being cut off before his death. Afterwards, cleaning supplies and a 45-gallon tote were purchased by the accused to clean up the crime and dispose of Perkins’ body. The Crown stated the video will serve as an important piece of evidence during the sentencing. “It’s not often that you can see and hear — as a member of the public or as a Crown prosecutor — the crime actually occurring,” Bliss said. “We anticipate playing tomorrow some recordings, a portion of the crime being committed. That has been very unique in terms of its impact on us as Crown prosecutors. But I think it will also be very impactful on the public.” The sentencing is set to take place on Tuesday morning, where the court will hear victim impact statements along with evidence. Additionally, Vrazalica is expected to address the court.
