Advertisement

Six Nations council bans Hamilton man acquitted of murdering one of its members

Peter Khill, 28, admitted he shot Jon Styres but said he fired in self-defence, believing Styres was about to shoot him. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel

SIX NATIONS RESERVE, Ont. – A Hamilton-area homeowner acquitted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of an Indigenous man has been banned for life from the nearby Six Nations reserve.

The elected band council voted unanimously on Tuesday to banish Peter Khill from the Six Nations of the Grand River territory, home of Jon Styres.

Khill, 28, admitted at trial that he shot Styres on the morning of Feb. 4, 2016, but pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, saying he fired in self-defence when he thought Styres was pointing a gun at him.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The jury at last month’s trial heard that Styres did not have a gun.

Story continues below advertisement

Khill’s defence said at trial that he saw Styres breaking into his truck in the middle of the night and he fell back on his army reserve training, taking his shotgun outside to “neutralize the threat.”

Following the June 27 verdict, Six Nations Chief Ava Hill questioned how Indigenous people could have faith in a justice system that “fails to hold anyone accountable for the taking of a life.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices