David Woods: Saskatoon Man Denied New Trial After Conviction for Wife’s Murder

David Woods, a Saskatoon man convicted of the first-degree murder of his wife Dorothy, has been denied a new trial by Saskatchewan’s highest court. The ruling, announced on August 30, 2019, confirms Woods’s life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Woods was found guilty in May 2014 of murdering Dorothy, who disappeared in November 2011. Her body was discovered two months later in a culvert near Blackstrap Lake, about 35 kilometers south of Saskatoon. The prosecution argued that Woods strangled and beat Dorothy before disposing of her body. Crown Prosecutor Michael Segu highlighted Dorothy’s affairs as a motive, claiming Woods acted out of jealousy and rage.

Testimonies from Dorothy’s friends played a crucial role in the trial. Elizabeth Tawpisin, a close friend, revealed that Dorothy had expressed fear about Woods discovering her affair, particularly with a black man, due to Woods’s alleged racist views. Tawpisin recalled Dorothy’s concerns that Woods might react violently. Another friend, Sherry Wilson, described Dorothy’s distress about her marriage and her last visit to Wilson’s home before her disappearance. Wilson noted that Woods’s behavior seemed suspicious when he reported Dorothy missing and insisted he had never been violent.

Despite these testimonies, Woods’s defense argued the prosecution relied too much on circumstantial evidence and lacked DNA proof. Woods’s lawyer, James Streeton, claimed that the trial lawyer’s performance was inadequate and raised issues warranting a new trial or a reduction to a second-degree murder charge. However, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal found no substantial legal errors. Justice Peter Whitmore affirmed that the evidence against Woods was overwhelming and that there was no miscarriage of justice.

The decision is a significant setback for Woods, who continues to maintain his innocence. He may still seek further appeals, potentially to the Supreme Court of Canada, as he explores his legal options. The case remains a stark reminder of the complexities and emotional weight of high-profile murder trials.