CALGARY – A teen accused of killing a Calgary father last year has been found guilty of manslaughter, and the victim’s family said they feel there will never be justice in his death.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, stood trial for the second-degree murder of Gabriel Okeynan last month.
On Monday, a judge found the teen guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter, and a charge of robbery.
“Justice was not served today,” said Brenda Peigan, Okeynan’s sister, as she cried outside of court. “I am disappointed…with the outcome of all this. He had a life; he was a brother.”
Okeynan met two teens at the Marlborough LRT Station in 2014. The 45-year-old was later robbed and stabbed before he stumbled to the nearby Marlborough Mall, where he was found in a pool of blood on on June 20, 2014. The father of four later died in hospital.
The teen who was sentenced Monday has developmental disabilities, but was found fit to stand trial. He denied stabbing Okeynan, saying he only kicked the victim “gently” in the shoulder.
READ MORE: Second teen accused in fatal 2014 attack says he only kicked victim
On Monday, Justice Scott Brooker said he did not believe the teen’s version of events.
In handing down this decision, Booker said “this was a group attack… a joint endeavor. They both participated in the attack.”
A psychiatric report has been ordered for the 17-year-old, as well as a Gladue report. He will be back in court on Nov. 16 to apply for interim release while he waits for sentencing.
His lawyer, Jim Lutz, will argue for time served, taking into account his disabilities.
“Even though as a matter of law he’s able to understand the proceedings and is fit to stand trial, under the Criminal Code, that will become more important in sentencing,” said Lutz.
Okeynan’s family blames the parents of these teenagers for the death of their loved one.
“The parents…they have no control over their kids. Us parents, if we don’t look after our kids, they are going to run wild,” said Okeynan’s uncle, Derwin Okeynan.
A second teen, who was 13 at the time, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
READ MORE: Calgary teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2014 attack
A judge will sentence the second teen in the case on Nov. 16. Both teens have already spent just under two years in custody.
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