A trans-identified male in Canada is facing charges of murder after the slaughter and mutilation of a man that left a crime scene so grisly neighbors called it “the house from hell.”
Gabriella Sears, born Dereck Donald Sears, has been in custody since his arrest in 2021. Sears was charged with second degree murder and interference with human remains in the death of Darren Middleton, 49, whose body was found at a home on Sycamore Road in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Just days before the murder, Sears, who was seen with a full beard in his booking photo, reportedly stated he had begun to identify as a woman named “Gabby.”
Coverage of the crime has changed dramatically over the years, with initial reports referring to Sears as male and more recent articles describing him as a “woman” and using feminine pronouns for him.
The trial is expected to continue this week, with police and the victim’s common-law wife taking the stand once again.