The trial of an Oak Bay father charged with second degree murder in the deaths of his daughter on Christmas Day 2017 continues in a Vancouver courtroom. Andrew Berry has pleaded not guilty.
WARNING: Details of this trial are often GRAPHIC and DISTURBING.
According to CTV Vancouver Island the jury is hearing about a rambling, disjointed letter that investigators found in Berry's Beach Drive apartment, where the bodies of Chloe, 6, and Aubrey, 4, were found. Berry himself was found badly injured in his bathtub.
The prosecution says the letter was written by Berry to his sister, who name is being protected by a publication ban.
The letter is list of point-form grievances against his parents, and against "Sarah" -- which could refer to the girls' mother, and Barry's ex, Sarah Cotton. Cotton and Berry shared custody of the girls.
The letter says - quote - "Couldn’t take the abuses by Sarah plus parents. I gambled to get away, live in exile with the girls." It also details arguments about money, religion, child custody as well as a suitable school for Chloe.
The letter declares "This was the last straw. I quit my job and went for it."
The letter also goes on to say he felt "betrayed, bullied, and miscastt (sic) I set out to leave with the kids, but I thought it better for myself and kids to escape. Things were getting worse not better. Sarah’s empowerment unchecked."
The letter contains passwords for a cell phone, an internet account, a Google account and a BMO bank account.
The letter finishess by instructing his sister to "please influence my girls to tell it like it is. They had two rules, listen to me and protect your sister," before adding, "they are ruthless – Mom plus Sarah," and finally, "I love you very much."
The letter is signed, "Anyway love and tenderness, Andrew," next to a drawing of a heart in the bottom right of the page containing the names "Chloe Coco" and "Aubzy Waubzies."
The trial is expected to last as long as August.