A judge in Saskatoon has sentenced a teenage boy to 18 months in connection with the death of his 12-year-old friend. The incident occurred when the boy, now 15 but 13 at the time of the incident, was playing with a gun and pretending to be a gangster. The teenager pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death.
Judge Lisa Watson handed down the sentence, which includes one year in open custody, followed by six months under community supervision, and 18 months of probation. She expressed her hopes for the boy to make positive choices going forward and emphasized the need for him to avoid any further legal troubles.
The court heard that the tragic event took place during a gathering where three boys were consuming alcohol and handling a black, sawed-off rifle. They were recording videos and taking photos of themselves acting as gangsters. One of the boys, the accused, pointed the gun at the victim, resulting in a fatal shot to the head.
Another 12-year-old boy in the group, who also pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death, received a two-year sentence, with a majority of the time to be served in a secure facility. The court highlighted that the gun involved required deliberate action to fire and emphasized the risks associated with playing with firearms under the influence.
The defense lawyer described the incident as a tragedy waiting to happen, attributing it to a dangerous mix of alcohol, firearms, and lack of supervision. The victim’s family has been deeply affected by the loss, with some members struggling with substance abuse and legal issues. The judge noted the profound impact on the victim’s future and the pain experienced by his loved ones.
While the Crown sought a maximum youth sentence, Judge Watson determined that a three-year custodial term would not consider all relevant factors. She acknowledged the mitigating circumstances, including the boy’s remorse, rehabilitation efforts, and positive lifestyle changes. As part of his probation, the boy must adhere to strict conditions, such as regular reporting, curfew, counseling, and a ban on firearms for a decade.