The mother of a Maple Ridge gas-station attendant killed while trying to prevent a robbery says she feels a sense of closure after learning her son’s killer has died.
Fourteen years ago, Darnell Pratt attempted to drive away from a gas station without paying when he hit 24-year-old Grant De Patie, who was working alone at the time. He was dragged for several kilometres.
Corinne De Patie said she had heard rumours that Pratt had died, so she requested a copy of his death certificate.
GLOBAL NEWS COVERAGE OF GRANT DE PATIE:
“It didn’t feel real at first, and then you check out the document and it’s definitely government issued and it starts to sink in that it is indeed real.”
De Patie said she feels this is finally closure for her family.
“It feels like this book has an end, the end has come, the final chapter has been read and I can close the book, ” she said.
“Darnell isn’t here any more, he’s not here to cause any more trouble or get into any more trouble, he’s not going to harm anybody so that in a way is a good thing, but in a sad way he’s not here suffering with us.”
Despite receiving the death certificate, De Patie said her son’s loss will always be with her.
“We just acknowledged Grant’s 14 years since he’s been gone on March 8.
“It’s not as painful as it used to be. But it’s still sad because our son isn’t with us, our first born isn’t with us anymore. Another year we’re not sharing anything, another year he’s not here.”
De Patie’s death prompted what has become known in B.C. as Grant’s Law, which requires drivers to pay for gas before they pump and also sets restrictions on employers whose staff work alone at night.
— With files from The Canadian Press