‘I deserve to be punished’: Lakeland manslaughter case results in 15 year sentence

On Aug. 18, he failed to return and a Canada Wide Warrant was issued for his arrest.

Travelling in two separate vehicles, the four individuals were driving around the District of Lakeland. Okemow was last seen alive at 8:50 a.m. and was leaving a liquor store at Northside. The foursome then met at the Co-Op store at Emma Lake.

“These vehicles were stolen,” Howell noted.

Phillip “Philly” Okemow was found deceased in August 2023. (Facebook)

While parked outside the store, the drivers switched places and soon after the two vehicles would proceed to go separate ways.

While driving a white SUV, Naytowhow was called by the operator of the truck (not Okemow) and told there was a bag of contraband they had left behind and asked that they meet at MacIntosh Point to make the transfer.

After exiting the vehicle, Naytowhow proceeded to hand over a small pistol and a bag containing drugs and ammunition. During the exchange, he first made a threatening gesture towards Okemow, and that’s when the gun went off.

“The accused was recklessly unaware that a bullet had already been chambered in the gun,” Howell stated.

Okemow, who was shot in the chest, dropped to the ground and the others drove off.

Three months later, during a search of a residence at Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Naytowhow was arrested, and an unloaded handgun was recovered, although, as Howell stated, it was not for sure clear if it was the same gun that was used to kill Okemow.

Referring to Naytowhow’s criminal record, Howell said there were 42 previous convictions, including multiple ones for assault and assault with a weapon.

Among the aggravated factors considered for sentencing were the fact the shooting was unprovoked, and because a gun was used, a four-year sentence is automatic.

“Also troubling is everyone left Mr. Okemow there,” Howell said.

At the time of the initial body discovery, traffic on Highway 952 was restricted. (Facebook)

Defence lawyer Mike Buchinski noted that between the ages of 3 and 9, Naytowhow and his sister were placed in the foster care system. His father had passed away, and his mother was unfit to care for him. Naytowhow’s grandparents would eventually get custody and provided some stability.

While Naytow did find work in construction, he would get involved in drugs and around 2018, the seriousness of his crimes began to escalate. When provided the opportunity in court, Naytowhow was visibly emotional.

“I’m standing here ashamed of myself,” he said, expressing his wish that both Okemow’s and his own family could be present so he could tell them how sorry he was.

“Phillip deserves justice…..I deserve to be punished,” he added.

There were no victim impact statements provided to Justice T.J. Keene and according to Howell, Okemow’s mother had told him it would be too emotionally difficult to attend.

However, another family member was present and after the hearing was concluded, spoke directly to Naytowhow.

“I hope you know how you hurt our family,” the woman shouted through tears. “I hope you have nightmares.”

Speaking afterward with paNOW, Okemow’s step-mother Beatrice Okemow said when she first heard what happened to her son, she was really mad at Naytowhow. However, after hearing the facts and Naytowshow’s show of remorse, her tone has changed.

“I forgive him for what he did. It’s not up to me to judge him for what happens for the rest of his life. It’s in God’s hands now,” she said.

Recalling the last time she saw her son was five days before his death, Beatrice said they went to James Smith Cree Nation because he expressed a desire to see his cousins.

“And he got to hug them,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

‘I deserve to be punished’: Lakeland manslaughter case results in 15 year sentence

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