Imagine the terror of being attacked without warning, thinking your life is about to end. This chilling scenario became a reality for Liam Frenette, whose harrowing experience kicked off a trial that has gripped Sault Ste. Marie. But here's where it gets controversial—the man accused, Steven Jones, stands charged not only with Frenette’s attempted murder but also the brutal killing of 22-year-old Taylor Marshall, leaving the community reeling and divided over justice and motive.
More than two years after Marshall’s tragic death shocked the city, the trial finally began, shedding light on a crime spree that left two lives shattered. Jones, appearing in person on Monday, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder for the events of September 7, 2023. Dressed in a blue polo shirt and grey pants, with his dark hair cut shorter than in previous photos, Jones cut a stark figure in the courtroom.
And this is the part most people miss—the trial was initially slated for eight weeks before a jury but was abruptly cut to four weeks when Jones’ defense lawyer, Andrew Furgiuele, opted for a judge-only trial. Justice Michael Varpio, addressing the 24 attendees, acknowledged the emotional weight of the case, inviting anyone overwhelmed to leave the room—a rare gesture that underscores the trial’s intensity.
Assistant Crown attorney Trent Wilson laid out the prosecution’s case, detailing the final moments of Marshall’s life. She suffered over 100 stab or cut wounds, along with severe blunt force trauma to her head and brain. Frenette, meanwhile, endured more than 20 knife wounds to his face, throat, chest, abdomen, and arm. Is this the work of a calculated killer or a moment of uncontrollable rage? The question lingers as the trial unfolds.
Day one focused on the boardwalk attack, with Frenette as the first of eight witnesses. He recounted his mundane errands—withdrawing money, buying a candy bar and energy drink—before settling on a bench. Suddenly, he was attacked from behind. ‘I thought he was trying to kill me,’ Frenette testified, his words echoing the sheer terror of that moment. Despite blood clouding his vision, he insisted he didn’t recognize his attacker, assuming it was a case of mistaken identity. ‘I don’t know you,’ he yelled as Jones fled when bystanders approached.
A short video of the attack, recorded by a witness in her car, was played in court. It showed Frenette bleeding and being slashed before bystanders intervened. Defense lawyer David Hakim later challenged Frenette’s claim that Jones ‘ran off,’ pointing out that the video shows Jones walking away as bystanders approached. Does this suggest premeditation or panic? The jury—or in this case, the judge—will decide.
Witnesses like Jacob Chapman, who initially mistook the attack for a fistfight, described the chaos. Chapman’s 911 call transcript revealed inconsistencies—he told the operator Jones was ‘walking towards the mall,’ not running. Constable Christopher Doran, the first officer to encounter Jones, testified that Jones initially ignored commands before complying. Bloody shoes and a backpack were found nearby, adding to the grim evidence.
As the trial continues, the community is left grappling with questions of motive, accountability, and justice. What drives someone to commit such heinous acts? And more importantly, can we ever truly understand the mind of the accused? Share your thoughts below—this is a conversation that demands your voice.
