EDMONTON – It’s been more than two years since a 23-year-old Cameron Pertherbridge was killed during a botched robbery attempt in Gibbons. On Thursday, Sam Wozalinchuk – the man who pleaded guilty to setting up the robbery – was sentenced.
The Crown was pushing for two to four years of jail time, while the Defence was arguing for less than two years house arrest. The judge’s decision leaned towards the latter, with 24-year-old Wasylynchuk receiving a 2-year conditional sentence and 3 years probation following that.
“We’re not happy with the decision, but we were anticipating the worst one, so we are not shocked about the decision,” said Cameron’s step-mom, Josephine Petherbridge.
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His dad Wayne expressed a stronger sentiment.
“We’re outraged at what went on here today,” he said. “You know, it makes you wonder if this is really a justice system or just a legal system.”
Over a dozen supporters of the family, wearing shirts with Cameron’s picture, were also outraged with the sentence.
“I think our justice system is a joke honestly, like they’re not getting anything,” said Hope Moore, Cameron’s aunt. “His lawyer sat there and said ‘should we be putting more people in jail, there’s too many there already.’ Well if you do the crime, you should do the time.”
Wozalinchuk, described by his lawyer as remorseful and helpful to police during the case, showed little emotion during the sentencing.
Cameron’s dad says that while his family still may not have full closure, they’re attempting to heal.
“You know, we’re just trying to focus on the good things that Cam did, and how much we loved him.”
Two men involved in the incident were also charged in connection with the killing. In November 2012, Andrew Pliska pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison. Kyle Elliott was charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
With files from Shane Jones, Global News and Slav Kornik, Global News
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