A judge condemned a Saskatoon boy 18 months for killing a 12 -year -old friend last year while posing with a gun and pretending to be a gangster.
The 15 -year -old, who was 13 years old at that time and cannot be identified under the provisions of the Juvenile Criminal Justice Law, previously declared himself guilty of criminal negligence that caused death.
Judge Lisa Watson ordered the child to turn a year in open custody and six months under community supervision, followed by 18 months of probation.
“I wish you the best,” he said Wednesday. “I know this is a difficult day for you and your family, difficult for [the victim’s] Family and loved ones.
“I hope you do something with your life. I hope you progress in a positive way and I hope never to see you in this court building.”
The Court heard that three children had been drinking and spending a black rifle, sawing in a house in Saskatoon in February 2024.
A statement of agreed facts said they were taking photos and videos of themselves pretending to be gangsters. A video showed the defendant pointing the gun to the victim, who was recording him on a phone.
The document said the victim was shot in the head and the boy who shot the gun thought he was in safe mode.
The third child of the group, who was also 12 years old at that time, declared himself guilty last year of criminal negligence causing death.
He was sentenced to two years, with 16 months in a safe installation followed by eight months under community supervision. It was also given 12 months of probation.
The court heard on Wednesday that the weapon, which was obtained by the child’s sister, could not have been fired without disconnecting security and tightening the trigger.
“While I accept that [the boy] He did not intend to shoot his friend, play and pose with a firearm under the influence of alcohol was clearly risky behavior, “Watson said.
“The damage was reasonably noticeable.”
Defensor lawyer Blaine Beaven said it was a tragedy that hoped to happen.
“[Being shot] It could have happened to any of those children there, “Beaven said outside the court.” Every time I mix alcohol and mix firearms and, obviously, inappropriate parenting or lack of supervision, it is a recipe for disaster. “
The court heard that the victim, the youngest of his family, was fun, charming and playful. Since his death, the family has been shattered: some are using substances, while others have passed through the justice system. The victim’s older brother died from accidental drowning in December 2024.
“There is a deep sense of loss and anger from the fact [the victim] He was denied a future, “Watson said.” You will not have the opportunity to finish school, practice sports, find a partner or live the life that should. “
The crown had sought the maximum youth sentence for the crime of three years in custody and a supervision order. The defense had proposed an order of open custody and supervision of 18 months, followed by 12 months of probation.
Watson said that the maximum prayer was not necessary or appropriate.
“A three -year custody sentence will not take into account the attenuating factors present and would result in a disproportionate sentence,” he said.
She said that the aggravating factors in the child’s judgment included the impact that the victim’s death had on the family. The judge also disagreed with the boys who invent a plan to blame the shooting of another child who was not involved at all.
However, she said that the child’s guilt declaration, her apology to the victim’s family and her efforts to rehabilitate were mitigating factors.
The judge said that the child has refrained from drinking or making drugs and is surrounding positive influences, such as sports and cultural activities.
The court heard that he also fulfilled a strict -left touch, and his parents have recognized their failures in raising the children.
“[The boy] He has made considerable progress, “Watson said.” It is still quite young and all signs indicate that it is capable and committed to a positive change.
“[This] It is a significant sentence that will remain [him] responsible for your action “.
As part of his probation order, the child must inform his youth worker, to follow a touch touch, not to contact the victim’s family or another child involved, not consume alcohol or drugs and follow an advice program. It is also forbidden to have any weapon or firearm for 10 years.
