Advertisement

Second teen accused in fatal 2014 attack says he only kicked victim

Forty-five-year-old Gabriel Okeynan was stabbed and found outside Calgary's Marlborough Mall on June 20, 2014. He later died in hospital. Obtained by Global News

CALGARY – A 17-year-old accused in the 2014 death of a Calgary father of four took the stand in his own defence Tuesday.

The teen, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is accused of second-degree murder in the death of Gabriel Okeynan.

The 45-year-old was stabbed and found outside Marlborough Mall in a pool of blood on June 20, 2014. He later died in hospital.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The 17-year-old has developmental disabilities, and was difficult to understand in court Tuesday, though he was found fit to stand.

He told court he did not stab Okeynan, and claimed it was a second youth who stabbed the man twice.

The other teen was 13 years old at the time, and has already pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He also denied stabbing Okeynan.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Calgary teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2014 attack

The accused admitted only to kicking the victim “gently” in the shoulder.

Closing arguments are set for Wednesday.

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched after man dies following mall stabbing

Sponsored content

AdChoices