Gallagher family awaits 'a very long, drawn-out process' ahead, as another accused pleads not guilty
Another person accused in the Megan Gallagher case has pleaded not guilty.
Thomas Richard Sutherland made his plea at Saskatoon Provincial Court on Wednesday.
“The not-guilty pleas are going to have us here for a long time. This isn’t going to be an overnight process,” Gallagher’s dad, Brian Gallagher, told CTV News.
“This is the sad reality of what happens when someone takes a life — our whole lives have changed.”
Sutherland is charged with unlawful confinement and aggravated assault. He’s one of nine people charged in Gallagher’s death.
Gallagher was reported missing in September 2020. Two years later, police found the 30-year-old woman’s remains near St. Louis, Sask.
Sutherland’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for October.
“It’s a very long, drawn-out process, with very little for the family and friends of the victims,” Gallagher’s dad said, adding that he’s grateful for what support he has received.
Sutherland has opted for a judge-alone trial at Saskatoon’s Court of King’s Bench.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Everything is interwoven': Trudeau and Biden vow continued Canada-U.S. collaboration during historic visit
U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced updates on a number of cross-border issues, after a day of meetings on Parliament Hill.

Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
The new asylum seeker agreement between Canada and the United States will not deter migrants from trying to cross into Canada outside official ports of entry, Quebec immigration advocacy groups say.
Scientists say they've solved the mystery of cigar-shaped comet 'Oumuamua
Scientists now say they know outerspace object ‘Oumuamua is, and the answer is more simple than some previous theories have suggested.
'A riot of colours' and 'stunning views' can be found in Canada's national parks. Here's where to go this summer
This past week, Parks Canada opened up its reservation system for the 2023 season, offering places to stay, hikes to take and national historic sites to visit across the country. According to three experts, here's where to travel this summer.
Incredible photos show northern lights dancing across much of Canada
Sky-gazers and shutterbugs across much of Canada were treated to a spectacular display of northern lights Thursday night and into Friday morning.
W5 | Comedian Russell Peters doesn't pull punches in climate of 'cancel culture,' 'political correctness'
CTV W5 speaks with members of the comedy industry, including Russell Peters, for a wide-ranging look at how political correctness and 'cancel culture' has changed the world of stand-up comedy.
Most Canadians believe speeding tickets should be tied to income: poll
A new survey conducted by Research Co. found that the majority of Canadians support tying speeding tickets to income, otherwise known as ‘progressive punishment.’
Trudeau says his kids 'no longer access' TikTok after Canadian government ban
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's teenage daughter and son, Ella-Grace and Xavier, 'no longer access TikTok,' the father of three told reporters during a joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden in Ottawa on March 24.
Ontario crypto king kidnapped, tortured in an attempt to get millions in ransom, documents say
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.