Crown argues for life sentence for Sask. Mountie who shot and killed his lover
A Crown prosecutor says the former RCMP officer who shot and killed his lover should be sentenced to life in prison.
In May 2021, 26-year-old Braden Herman’s naked body was found in a park on the outskirts of Prince Albert. He had a fatal gunshot wound to his chest.
In January, Bernie Herman, 55, was convicted of manslaughter in Braden’s death. The two were not related.
During sentencing arguments on Thursday, Crown prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt asked the judge to consider a life sentence for Herman.
“It is a high ask, and we acknowledge that,” she said
Herman was in uniform at the time of the killing, and Braden was shot by Herman's RCMP service weapon, according to a statement of facts introduced during the trial.
Schmidt noted how the officer shot Braden, left him to die alone in a rural area, and then told his wife about the killing.
“On those facts, it is as close to a murder as you can get,” Schmidt told court.
She also asked the judge to consider the power dynamic between the two.
Court heard the men met on Facebook in 2018, and shortly after, Braden moved in to the officer's family home, where the relationship became sexual.
Schmidt said Herman was in a position of privilege — he had a home, family, and a respected career, while Braden was vulnerable because he struggled with mental health and addictions.
“He called him dad. He relied on him,” she said.
Schmidt said Braden was a victim of intimate partner violence.
Herman’s defence asked the judge to consider a sentence of four to six years. Four years is the minimum sentence for manslaughter with a gun.
The Mountie’s lawyer said Herman was physically, emotionally and sexually abused while attending day school in his youth.
“Overcoming adversity does not mean privilege,” his lawyer said.
The defence said Braden was the abuser — he blackmailed, threatened and got violent with the officer.
After both sides presented their arguments, Herman stood up and addressed the court.
“I would like to apologize to the court for time and resources wasted on this matter,” he said.
The judge reserved his sentencing decision until June 18.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
'A great victory for the industry': Taxi drivers celebrate ruling that found City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
Truck driver accused of intentionally killing Utah officer had been holding a woman against her will
A truck driver accused of intentionally killing a police officer during a traffic stop on a Utah highway had been holding a woman against her will inside the cab of his truck, new court documents reveal.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.