'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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.