Saskatoon 13-year-old pleads guilty for role in fatal shooting of 12-year-old friend

A tragic incident that occurred in Saskatoon in 2024 has left a community reeling. A 13-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death after a fatal shooting involving his 12-year-old friend. The incident took place in a house on Matheson Drive on Feb. 19, 2024, when three boys were drinking vodka and passing around a loaded sawed-off .22 rifle.

The gun accidentally went off, resulting in the death of one of the 12-year-olds. The surviving 12-year-old pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death last year and was sentenced to stay in custody for 16 months, followed by eight months of intense supervision in the community and then 12 months of probation. The 13-year-old is awaiting sentencing in July.

According to Blaine Beaven, the boy’s lawyer, the tragedy was the result of kids making poor decisions and playing with something they should not have been. He emphasized that children should never be playing with firearms, especially when under the influence of alcohol.

During the sentencing of the 12-year-old, an agreed statement of facts was presented. It revealed that the boys had been posing with the firearm, trying to portray themselves as gangsters. They were also seen drinking vodka and pointing the firearm and bear spray at each other. The 13-year-old was captured on video unloading and loading ammunition into the firearm just moments before the shooting occurred.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of underage drinking and playing with firearms. It highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for proper education on firearm safety. The community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes that lessons will be learned from this tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future.