Killer sentenced to 4½ years in Colton Crowshoe’s death, 10 years after victim went missing

In a recent ruling at the Calgary courthouse, Justice George Gaschler handed down a sentence of four and a half years in prison to Wiley Provost for the killing of his friend, Colton Crowshoe, back in 2014. Following his release, Provost will be placed on two years of probation. The incident took place nearly eight years ago, when Provost, then 30 years old, was charged with second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Crowshoe. The tragic event occurred after an altercation between the two friends, who were partying together at a home in Calgary. Despite their close relationship, Provost strangled Crowshoe near the residence, leading to his untimely demise.

After years of uncertainty surrounding Crowshoe’s death, Provost’s step-mother finally came forward to authorities in April 2022, revealing the truth behind the tragic incident. This confession eventually led to Provost pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in September 2023. The court’s decision to sentence Provost to four and a half years in prison reflects the severity of his actions, even though manslaughter carries no minimum sentence.

During the sentencing proceedings, members of Crowshoe’s family were present in the courtroom to witness the outcome. Jimmy Crowshoe, Colton’s father, expressed the pain and anguish that still lingers as a result of his son’s death. Despite the opportunity to address Provost during his probation reviews, Jimmy remains uncertain about whether he will take advantage of this chance to confront the man responsible for his son’s tragic end.

The details of the incident reveal a heartbreaking sequence of events that unfolded on that fateful night in July 2014. Provost and Crowshoe had been engaged in a night of drinking and dancing at a house party before a heated argument escalated into a violent confrontation. Following Crowshoe’s death, Provost disposed of the body in a nearby storm pond, attempting to cover up his crime. An autopsy later confirmed that Crowshoe had died as a result of strangulation, with no evidence of drowning.

The sentencing also shed light on the challenges faced by Crowshoe’s family in seeking justice for their lost loved one. Despite the many years that have passed since Colton’s tragic death, the pain and grief are still very much present for his family members. The long-awaited closure brought by Provost’s sentencing was met with mixed emotions, as some expressed disappointment in the outcome of the case.

As the legal proceedings come to a close, the Crowshoe family continues to grapple with the profound loss of Colton. While some may find solace in the court’s decision, others remain skeptical of Provost’s remorse and the adequacy of his punishment. Ultimately, the tragic story of Colton Crowshoe serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of senseless acts of violence and the importance of seeking justice for those who have been wronged.