EDMONTON – Sawyer Robison, who was accused of killing his uncle during a police shootout near Killam in 2012, has had the second-degree murder charge against him dropped.
Robison was also charged with two counts attempted murder and several weapon-related offences after the police shootout near Killam. The incident injured two Mounties and left Clarke dead. Robison is still facing a total of 15 charges in connection to the shooting, including the two counts of attempted murder.
While Robison’s lawyer is pleased the second-degree murder charge has been dropped, he describes the initial charge as a case of malicious prosecution, and adds there are still plenty of issues to be resolved.
“We’re very pleased with the decision that was finally made this morning,” said Robison’s lawyer Brian Beresh, outside the Camrose law courts on Monday, where Robison’s preliminary hearing is taking place.
The decision means Robison will no longer face a second-degree murder charge in connection to his uncle Bradford Clarke’s death.
“From the information we had, it was absolutely clear this was a suicide,” added Beresh. “It was never a homicide.”
Robison was charged with second-degree murder eight months after the shooting.
“It appears that it proceeded on what was a convoluted view of some so-called ‘police expert’ whose view was subsequently changed when the defence provided information.”
That new information led numerous forensics experts to conclude they couldn’t tell if Clarke was killed or committed suicide, which meant no reasonable likelihood of conviction.
“There is a view held by my client’s family that the charge was just a reaction to protect the reputation of the RCMP,” said Beresh.
However, Alberta Justice asserts it did its job all along.
“This was a very serious incident. A life was lost,” said Alberta Justice, in a written statement.
“Many shots were fired at members of the RCMP. The Crown does what is required to find out what really happened. As best it can.”
Still, Robison’s lawyer wants to see the case looked at more closely.
“This is such a serious matter,” explained Beresh, “because our client has been in such serious jeopardy as a result of this, that we may, when this is all over, call for a public inquiry to ask why this charge was ever laid.”
Beresh admits a lawsuit is another avenue they might pursue.
With files from Fletcher Kent
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