A Windsor man pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Wednesday, admitting that he pushed another man down a flight of stairs, resulting in the victim's death.
Kevin Christopher Harris, 45, was initially charged with second-degree murder in the death of Walter Ronald Hryniw. The incident occurred on October 16, 2025, following a disagreement between the two men. According to court proceedings, Harris pushed the 53-year-old Hryniw, who then fell down seven steps and struck his head on the bottom of the landing.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict began the day before the fatal incident. Harris arrived at his home to find his ex-girlfriend drinking and using drugs with Hryniw, as stated in the agreed statement of facts read by Harris's brother. The woman, who had an eight-year relationship with Harris and shares a daughter with him, was caring for the child at the time.
The woman and Hryniw left the residence but returned the following morning to pick up the daughter. When Hryniw attempted to enter the home located in the 3100 block of Wyandotte Street, Harris pushed him, according to the statement read out by Crown attorney Reem Said.
Courtroom Emotions
The downtown Windsor courtroom was filled with emotional family members of the victim on Wednesday. As Harris's arraignment was read, one family member interrupted the court clerk to correct the pronunciation of Hryniw's name. Ontario Court Justice Sharon Murphy responded, Ma'am, I understand that this is an emotional time. But there's no space for outbursts in the body of the court.
Witness Accounts
According to the agreed facts, the daughter of the building's property manager was awakened after 6 a.m. by an unusual commotion. She heard Harris say, Get out, followed by bang, bang, and then a big bang and silence. The property manager also woke up to a loud noise and observed Harris trying to lift Hryniw at the bottom of the stairs, prompting a call to 911.
An autopsy conducted on October 17 determined that the cause of death was blunt impact head trauma. Harris later turned himself in at Windsor police headquarters, accompanied by his brother.
A date for sentencing is scheduled to be set on Friday.
