By Kathy Gallant

La Loche shooter appeals adult sentence

Jun 5, 2018 | 12:16 PM

The 20-year-old who killed four and injured seven in a 2016 shooting spree in La Loche has appealed his adult life sentence, according to defence lawyer Aaron Fox.

The shooter, who was 17 at the time of the killings, pleaded guilty in October 2016 to the second-degree murders of Dayne and Drayden Fontaine and to the first-degree murders of teacher Adam Wood and teacher’s aide Marie Janvier. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murders of seven others.

Fox said the appeal paperwork was filed by his office to ask for a youth sentence.

“We’ve appealed the order that was made directing that he be sentenced as an adult,” Fox said. “We’ll be asking that the Court of Appeal set aside that order and direct that he be sentenced as a youth.”

Fox previously said the shooter pleaded guilty with the hope and desire he would get the help he needs.

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“The lack of services in this province is astounding,” Fox told reporters after the sentencing. “This young man was lacking services and assistance long before this offence took place.”

So far no dates have been set for the appeal hearing.

In her decision, heard Feb. 23 in La Loche, presiding Judge Janet McIvor said a youth sentence would not be just.

“The crimes were not an impulsive act done by an immature person,” McIvor told a packed La Loche courtroom. “The nature and manner of his murders were unnecessarily violent … The consequences have been and continue to be devastating. He did, however, warn off three friends off when he arrived at the school and spared a teacher. These things show an adult-like quality.”

Because the appeal process is now underway, the young man’s name is still protected under a publication ban.

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath