WATCH ABOVE: The man accused of murdering Gatleak Metkurjock in 2012, was sentenced Monday as an adult despite being 17 at the time of the crime. Global’s Nancy Hixt reports.
CALGARY – A young man who fatally attacked a Sudanese man at a Bankview house party in January 2012 was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday. Twenty-year-old Mark Pious has 922 days (just over two-and-a-half years) left to serve after time spent in a youth facility.
“I can’t imagine the pain I have caused,” Pious told court. “I haven’t just ruined my life, but another family’s also. I’m sorry…please forgive me.”
On Jan. 25, 2012, emergency crews were called to the 2100 block of 16 St. S.W. and found a man lying outside a home. He was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition, and died the next day.
Police say 20-year-old Gatleak Thor Metkurjock died from blunt force trauma. He was beaten with a frying pan.
Pious was 17 when the murder happened so his name had not previously been released. He was originally charged with second-degree murder and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Defence and the Crown made a joint submission for a four-year sentence on Monday, which was granted.
Court heard Monday Pious suffers from schizophrenia, and his lawyer said his condition has improved since he’s been taking medication.
“When this happened, he was not living at home, he was not taking his medication as required by his condition,” said defence lawyer Andre Ouellette. “So I think it’s become clear: if he’s going to have any kind of life, he’s going to have to take his medication, he’s going to have to stay away from alcohol and drugs.”
Anthony Ambrose Brothers was also sentenced to four years in prison for the attack.
READ MORE: Calgarians rally around murder victim’s brother to pay for memorial
Metkurjock’s brother, Chatim, was in court on Monday to read a victim impact statement. He cried as he described how his brother raised him when they fled war-torn Sudan.
“I will never be the same again,” he said. “Gatleak’s murder took everything from me…being happy doesn’t seem right anymore. I miss him as my brother, I miss him as a guardian…as my mother, my father. I miss him physically and emotionally.”
Chatim later said he respected Pious’ apology.
“It is really important to tell the court what this man has done to me so that one day he won’t do it to society again.”
With files from Erika Tucker and Tamara Elliott
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