By Kathy Gallant

Life sentence for La Loche shooter

May 8, 2018 | 12:21 PM

The 20-year-old La Loche shooter, who killed four and injured seven others in a shooting spree in January 2016, will serve an adult life sentence in federal prison with no chance of parole for the next 10 years. 

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 the first-degree murders of teacher Adam Wood and teacher’s aide Marie Janvier. In discussing his sentencing options, defence lawyer Aaron Fox said the youth would benefit the most from the psychiatric care of the federal facility, given his cognitive challenges. 

In his brief comments, Crown Prosecutor Pouria Tabrizi-Reardigan suggested the youth should stay within the Correctional Service Canada system, after it was decided he would be sentenced as an adult on Feb. 23 in La Loche. 

Judge Janet McIvor said it will be up to staff at the penitentiary to provide the psychiatric assistance the youth needs. 

The youth spoke in court after receiving his sentence and apologized to the family of Dayne and Drayden Fontaine, to all the victims, and to the community of La Loche. 

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As the shooter was a youth at the time of the incident, his name is banned from publication due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act. While the ban is typically lifted if a youth is sentenced as an adult, there is still a publication ban on his name until the appeal period has passed. 

The defence has 30 days to appeal the judge’s decision, and Fox said he isn’t ruling out the possibility. 

During the sentencing, the defence pushed for the youth to be held at a facility where he could get more direct support for his cognitive and mental health issues, specifically the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon. 

Fox said the youth pleaded guilty in October 2016 with the hope and desire he would get the help he needs. 

“There is a frustration that we’re now in May, 2018, and that process hasn’t even started yet,” Fox said outside court. “The lack of services in this province is astounding. This young man was lacking services and assistance long before this offence took place.” 

McIvor addressed the fact the lack of service offered in La Loche since the incident occurred in 2016. 

“Survivors, family, students; they have been abandoned and let down,” she said. “Counselling services are not available, because [people] can’t afford it. Disability isn’t covering physiotherapy or PTSD. They were told they would be looked after, but from what I have been informed, that has not happened. It’s a travesty, and yet another victimization of all involved.” 

Fox echoed those thoughts when speaking to media. 

“It’s an indictment on the lack of services,” Fox said. “I hope if something comes out of this that people will realize that and start taking the steps that are necessary to address those concerns.” 

La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre said he hopes the whole community gets the support it needs in order to move forward. 

In her closing words, McIvor addressed the community members from La Loche who travelled to attend court in Meadow Lake. 

“You have been patient and understanding of the various adjournments,” McIvor said. “You have conducted yourselves with the utmost dignity and grace.” 

McIvor also commented on the outstanding level of advocacy displayed on both sides of the court throughout the proceedings. 

“It’s an example that I wish more lawyers could see,” she said. 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca 

On Twitter @ReporterKath