Trevor Kloschinsky found not criminally responsible for slaying of peace officer

Trevor Kloschinsky has been found not criminally responsible for the death of retired RCMP officer Rod Lazenbytwo years ago.

• Rod Lazenby's family speaks of loss on eve of murder trial verdict

Kloschinsky, 49, was charged with first-degree murder in the 2012 death of Lazenby, a retired RCMP officer responsible for enforcing bylaws in the Municipal District of Foothills near Calgary.

Lazenby, 62, died after going to Kloschinsky's property near Priddis on Aug. 10, 2012, to investigate an animal complaint.

An autopsy found Lazenby was strangled and had 56 abrasions, contusions and lacerations to the face, head, neck, body and back. He also suffered numerous internal injuries.

Court of Queen's Bench Justice Beth Hughes ruled thatKloschinsky's mental state prevented him fromunderstanding the consequences of his actions.

Court heard that Kloschinsky, who bred dogs for a living, thought Lazenby was stealing his animals and strangled him.

However, a psychiatrist testified the dog breeder was actively psychotic and probably did not realize he was doing something wrong.

Kloschinsky admitted causing Lazenby's death. He acknowledged dropping the officer off, handcuffed and unconscious, at a southeast Calgary police stationwhere he told officers he had apprehended a "dog thief."

Hughes said that while Kloschinsky has improved dramatically since he first appeared in court, it isobvious hestill suffers from a mental disorder.

Kloschinsky will have to appear before the Alberta Review Board within 45 days to determine how long he will stay atthe Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatric Hospital.

Outside the courts centre,Lazenby's daughter Meghan McLean saidthe family does not feeljustice has been served.