La Loche shooting: 911 calls and victim statements read

May 17, 2017 | 11:00 AM

His lack of empathy and mercy makes me want to throw up.”

This was a line from one of the victim impact statements submitted into court during the sentencing hearing of the then 17-year-old shooter who killed four people injured seven others in La Loche in January, 2016. The hearings took place at the Meadow Lake Courthouse, with CCTV Broadcast to the court site in La Loche.

The graphic details of the case were heard on the morning of May 16 as part of a hearing to determine if the now 19-year-old could either face sentencing as an adult or teen. He cannot be named due to a court-ordered publication ban under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

In October the teen pleaded guilty to the first-degree murders of teacher’s aide Marie Janvier, 21, and teacher Adam Wood, 35, as well as second-degree murder in the deaths of brothers Dayne and Drayden Fontaine, who were shot in their home. He also pleaded guilty to seven counts of attempted murder.

In the afternoon of the first day of hearings, Crown Prosecutor Lloyd Stang shared several 911 calls that were made in the wake of the attack. Victim impact statements were also entered into court record in the form of video interviews and submitted letters that the Crown read aloud.     

Another statement read, “We were robbed of a sense of security, especially at the school.”

One victim recounted being in close vicinity of teacher Adam Wood when he was shot, they took cover close together. The victim said it was difficult to sleep, and has relieved the moments over and over.

In comments made after court concluded, Crown Prosecutor Lloyd Stang said that many more victim impact statements will be read during Wednesday’s court proceedings

“In particular, some of victims will be reading their own statements,” Stang said.

He said that the shootings had a tremendously terrible effect on all the families, the victims, the community, and members of the school.

“The list is endless, it’s such a tragedy,” he added.

He said he hopes those involved can begin to feel some sense of closure in the wake of the events.

“I really can’t speak on their behalf but I can only say I hope it does bring [some closure],” Stang noted. “Obviously, there is a re-opening of wounds today when this information comes out…but I hopefully the people of La Loche see is as one more step forward in the process.”

Court proceedings will reconvene on Wednesday May 17 at 9:30 am.

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca 

On Twitter @ReporterKath