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End of King trial brings mixed feelings, reflection for family of victim

With Friday's closing arguments signaling the end of accused murderer Denecho King's trial, the family of victim John Wifladt took time outside the Yellowknife courthouse to reflect on a difficult and emotional four weeks – and to remember the man they called a brother, a son and a friend.

“It was still really hard to hear all the information and details, especially watching my parents go through it,” said John's sister Heather Poluk, adding she still grapples with her brother's “unimaginable,” death.

Her parents, Jack and Alice Wifladt, regularly accompanied Poluk and her two siblings to court, sitting in on the majority of the often-jarring and emotionally-charged 20-day trial.

Brendan Burke/NNSL photo.
John Wifladt's family, from left, Rona Wifladt, Jack Wifladt, Alice Wifladt, Michelle Wifladt, Heather Poluk and Fred Sangris, gather in front of the Yellowknife courthouse Friday following closing arguments in the trial of Denecho King. Anger, sadness – and a sense of comfort – were expressed by family members.

The family's enduring presence in the courtroom meant they were exposed to crime scene evidence and other disturbing details about the 2014 attack that claimed the life of their loved one, John.

John and his childhood friend Colin Digness were found in a Yellowknife apartment bloodied and badly injured on Dec.14, 2014. John later died, while Digness survived, sustaining lasting injuries as a result of the attack.

Even with a “hard shell,” John's father, Jack Wifladt, said the trial took an emotional toll on him.

“I break down, too,” said Jack Wifladt, adding he was “sick, sick, sick,” throughout the trial.

With King's fate now set to be learned in July, Jack Wifladt said he's left with mixed emotions.

“My son was a good person,” he said.

Despite the emotional weight of the trial, Jack Wifladt was a source of comedic levity at times, making other's laugh or crack a smile outside the courtroom – something he said he did to foster unity among his family.

“It's to try and keep everybody together,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Tommy Wifladt. John Wifladt, pictured here, was remembered as a good son – and man – by family members Friday.

With the trial complete, Wifladt said the outcome is now in the hands of Justice Andrew Mahar.

“Now the judge has got the hardest job of anybody and that is to say guilty or not guilty. I only pray that he makes the right decision,” he said.

Heather Poluk, who lives in Calgary, had to leave her husband and children to attend the month-long trial.

“When I initially came here I was really nervous,” said Poluk. “I honestly didn't think it would do anything for me in terms of healing.”

But with support from John's friends and her own family, Poluk said was “comforted by how kind and incredibly helpful everyone has been throughout this.”

In joining the chorus of family members who reminisced about the kind character of John throughout the trial, Poluk echoed her father's words.

“He was such a good man. Last person you'd expect this to happen to,” said Poluk.

“We all miss and love him.”