Douglas Holt

The offender pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded restricted firearm and a prohibited device.

The Crown sought a three-year penitentiary sentence, while the defence sought a conditional sentence.

The court considered the offender's youth, lack of adult record, the impact of anti-Black racism, his successful music career, and his role as a father.

The court also noted he had spent 33 months on strict house arrest bail.

Finding these to be exceptional circumstances that significantly reduced his moral blameworthiness, the court imposed a conditional sentence of 23 months and 21 days, followed by two years of probation.

The defendants were charged with first-degree murder for allegedly assisting two unidentified shooters in killing the victim at a social club.

The Crown relied on circumstantial evidence, including cell phone records, GPS data, and surveillance video, to prove the defendants helped position the getaway vehicle and locate the victim.

The court found that while the defendants knowingly assisted in a plan targeting the victim, there was a reasonable doubt as to whether they knew the perpetrators intended to commit murder.

However, applying section 21(2) of the Criminal Code, the court concluded the defendants knew or ought to have known that a probable consequence of their common unlawful purpose was an inherently dangerous act.

Both defendants were found guilty of manslaughter as an included offence.