12-year-old Saskatoon boy sentenced for role in shooting death of 12-year-old friend

A tragic incident unfolded in Saskatoon where a 12-year-old boy lost his life due to a fatal shooting while he was drinking vodka and playing with a loaded, sawed-off rifle with his two friends, also aged 12 and 13. The details of the incident were revealed in court, where it was disclosed that the boys were recording videos of themselves drinking and pointing the rifle and bear spray at each other in an attempt to portray themselves as gangsters.

The prosecutor, Shaela Verma, described the incident as reckless and senseless, emphasizing that any of the three boys could have been shot. Following the shooting on February 19, both surviving boys were charged with manslaughter. The 12-year-old admitted guilt to criminal negligence causing death and appeared in court for sentencing, while his co-accused is set to stand trial next year.

During the court proceedings, Judge Lisa Watson accepted a joint sentencing recommendation from the prosecution and defense, which will see the boy remain in custody for 16 months, followed by eight months of intense supervision in the community, and then 12 months of probation. The defense lawyer, Brian Pfefferle, acknowledged the unsettling nature of the incident, highlighting the lack of supervision and care for the children involved.

According to the agreed statement of facts, the boys were inside a house on Matheson Drive with bear spray and a sawed-off rifle. They were posing with the firearm, taking photos and videos to mimic gangster behavior. The investigation revealed that the boys had been drinking from a 26 oz bottle of Absolut vodka for several hours, during which they took turns pointing the firearm and bear spray at each other.

The final video viewed by the police was recorded less than a minute before the shooting occurred. Judge Watson addressed the victim’s family in court, expressing her condolences for their loss and acknowledging the profound impact the incident has had on all those involved.

The heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible firearm handling and the need for adult supervision when children are in possession of dangerous weapons. It is a tragic event that has forever changed the lives of those involved and underscores the devastating consequences of reckless actions.