Tears and sighs of relief were prevalent in the courtroom from members of George Span’s family. On Friday, Judge D.K. Miller found Addison Wakefield and Michael Mitchell guilty of second degree murder in the January 2013 stabbing death of the 58-year-old Span.
“We don’t want people like that walking around the streets,” said Denise Plouffe, a friend of George Span. “I was praying for a minimum of a second degree. It was premeditated and they should have got first, but I’ll be happy with second. They’ll reap what they sow.”
The verdicts of the case started to become clear when Judge Miller said, “I do not accept nor believe the evidence of Addison Wakefield.” The judge also stated he believed Wakefield’s testimony was designed to shift blame away from himself.
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Wakefield’s council however, isn’t going to let the decision rest.
“In any case where you have findings of second degree murder, where somebody is going to go to jail for life,” said Andre Ouellette. “Absolutely there’s going to be an appeal.”
Council for Micheal Mitchell also says the verdict was too harsh.
“I believe that my client was not guilty of second degree murder,” said Allan Fray. “At worst a verdict for manslaughter should have been entered.”
Years of work went into the two-week trail, which the Crown is pleased to have finished.
“We worked really hard to make sure that Justice Miller could hear all the relevant facts and make his own decision.” said Crown Prosecutor Erin Olsen.
The matter will return to court on June 26, at which time reports will be ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The automatic sentence for second degree murder is life in prison, with a minimum of ten years before parole eligibility.
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