A young offender who admitted to killing an 18-year-old Calgary man nearly a decade ago was sentenced to seven years in prison Tuesday, the maximum youth sentence for second-degree murder.
Adam Cavanagh was shot in the head through a window in the basement of his parents’ home in 2007.
The offender can’t be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act as he was 17 years old at the time of the shooting.
He read a letter of apology to the family in court Tuesday, saying:
“I know nothing I say can bring Adam back…I can’t expect you to begin forgiving me. I didn’t intend for this to happen. I need you to know I am sorry.
“I know your family has suffered a great loss and I am sorry for that. I am ashamed and disappointed in myself. I am deeply sorry.”
He was originally convicted of first-degree murder, but was granted a new trial on appeal.
Last November, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder in the case.
Family and friends of both the victim and the offender were in court Tuesday for the sentencing hearing.
Adam’s father, Perry Cavanagh, said he was glad the ordeal is over, though he was frustrated by the change from first- to second-degree murder.
“It’s caused us significant grief, and will for the rest of our lives, but we sure hope he can turn into a positive contributor to our society as opposed to a murderer,” he said.
Cavanagh’s father added he appreciated the letter that was read in court.
“It’s tough,” he said. “It’s great that he did it, it does mean something. But at the end of the day, only time will tell as to whether or not that’s going to be significant.”
Read the full letter read in court by the offender below:
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