'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
BREAKING Person engulfed in flames outside N.Y. courthouse where Trump trial underway, says CNN
A person was covered in flames outside the New York courthouse where former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial is underway, CNN reported on Friday.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.