Keiffer Robillard will be prohibited from being in possession of firearms for 10 years and he must submit a DNA sample to the national database. (File photo/larongeNOW Staff)
crime

Northern man sentenced for manslaughter, victim stabbed 82 times

Jul 25, 2024 | 7:24 AM

A Deschambeault Lake man was sentenced to a joint-submission of six years and four months after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of 21-year-old Jonathan Custer.

Keiffer Robillard was originally charged with second-degree murder for the incident, which occurred in Deschambeault Lake on Feb. 2, 2024. According to the agreed statement of facts, RCMP were called to a residence in the community for a stabbing in progress at approximately 10:50 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers saw Robillard holding a knife on the deck of the house while standing over Custer, who was laying on his back and bleeding. Robillard then threw the knife in the direction of the officers and was taken into custody.

An autopsy report showed the victim sustained 82 stab wounds.

“RCMP members saw that the deceased was in medical distress and transported him to the health centre where he received treatment,” the statement notes.

“The deceased was found to have multiple stab wounds and he succumbed to his injuries and died.”

An argument between the two men preceded the murder. Robillard was under the influence of both alcohol and crystal meth at the time of the offense.

In a victim impact statement submitted by Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN), leadership expressed the community was shaken by the tragic event. They explained the incident occurred during a timeframe when many other unrelated violent acts had occurred in Deschambeault Lake and the surrounding PBCN communities.

“The murder of Jonathan Custer has cast a long, dark shadow over Deschambeault Lake,” the statement reads.

“It has contributed to a tangible fear, altering how we interact and move within our community. This is particularly true for Elders and children who now hesitate to leave their homes in the evening, attend events, or engage in social interactions.”

Aside from the sentence, Robillard will be prohibited from being in possession of firearms for 10 years and he must submit a DNA sample to the national database.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

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