Cody Chubey, a 38-year-old man on trial for first-degree murder in Melfort Court of King’s Bench, testified that he has no recollection of fatally beating Danielle Dobersheck but acknowledged causing her death. The central point of contention in the trial is whether Chubey had the intent to kill Dobersheck, a crucial element in establishing a murder charge rather than manslaughter.
Dobersheck, aged 30, was killed in a Melfort motel room on March 10, 2024, leaving behind three children. Friends and family of Dobersheck described her as a victim of intimate partner violence who had been taking steps to end her long-term relationship with Chubey.
During the trial, witnesses, including police officers who found Dobersheck’s deceased body in a blood-covered room, provided testimony. An adjacent couple testified that they heard Chubey assaulting Dobersheck and recorded the incident while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.
Chubey claimed to have no memory of the events described by witnesses and stated that his last recollection was driving back to Melfort from Saskatoon after a day trip with Dobersheck. Despite ingesting cocaine and alcohol that day, Chubey blacked out before reaching Melfort. He mentioned getting matching tattoos with Dobersheck and returning to Melfort due to a lack of a credit card for the hotel stay in Saskatoon.
Under cross-examination, Chubey admitted to previously breaking up with Dobersheck, but denied knowledge of her intentions to leave with the children. The court also delved into Chubey’s history of substance abuse and its effects on his behavior, with a psychiatrist’s report noting diagnoses of various substance use disorders.
The trial is set to resume with closing arguments, with the issue of intoxication and its impact on Chubey’s intent being a critical point of contention. If you are experiencing or fear domestic violence, please reach out to crisis lines and local support services for assistance.