'Drugs, alcohol and paranoia': Sask. man's kidnapping, murder 'wasn't the plan,' court hears
Two men convicted in the death of Allan Garrioch apologized at Saskatoon’s Court of Queen’s Bench on Monday.
Garrioch was shot in the neck on Feb. 25, 2020.
RCMP found the 20-year-old’s body in a bluff of trees in the Bruno, Sask., about 90 kilometres east of Saskatoon.
A jury found Tristan Morrison guilty of first-degree murder and Steven Veilleux guilty of manslaughter.
The men also pleaded guilty to unlawful confinement of Garrioch’s girlfriend.
Court heard the men broke into Garrioch’s home, kidnapped him and lead him to the trees — while Garrioch was blindfolded and handcuffed.
The judge gave the men an opportunity to speak, ahead of his sentencing decision — reserved for Aug. 24.
“I’d just like to say that this wasn’t the plan,” Morrison told court, crying.
He said the killing was the result of a “concoction of drugs, alcohol and paranoia.”
While looking at Garrioch’s mother in the crowd, Morrison said he thinks and talks to Garrioch every day.
“I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me,” the man, convicted of first-degree murder, said.
Veilleux echoed Morrison.
“It wasn’t supposed to go this way,” Veilleux said.
“I accept the responsibility for the actions I’ve done. I’m very sorry.”
Under a first-degree murder conviction, Morrison must serve 25 years before being eligible for full parole.
The Crown argued Morrison should serve seven years concurrent for the unlawful confinement charge, while the defence suggested five years was more appropriate
For Veilleux, the Crown argued he should serve a life sentence with parole ineligibility for ten years, but the defence pushed for an 11-year fixed sentence — where he could apply for parole earlier.
'A MOTHER'S WORST NIGHTMARE'
Fourteen victim-impact statements, from family and friends, were filed in court.
Garrioch’s sister, Shantelle Garrioch, described the close bond she had with her brother.
“He was my best friend,” Shantelle said.
While looking at the co-accused, Shantelle held a laminated picture of Garrioch.
Shantelle said the picture is all her three-year-old daughter has for an uncle.
“That’s all I’m going to say. I don’t want to hurt your feelings,” Shantelle said, before walking back to the gallery.
Garrioch’s mother, Shannon Glasier, described her son as “a promising young man” — referencing his work as a heavy equipment operator.
“What you’ve done is a mother’s worst nightmare,” Glasier told the men.
“You didn’t only kill Allan, you killed me too … I hope the rest of your life is just like mine.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.