Gallagher case sparks calls to protect Indigenous women
SASKATOON — Gasps and silent cries from relatives and friends of the late Megan Gallagher filled the courtroom’s gallery when they heard the Clerk of Court reading the 12-member jury’s guilty verdict on Roderick William Sutherland, on Friday afternoon, Oct. 17, thus ending their three-year quest for justice.
Sutherland was the last of the nine persons accused who was found guilty in connection with the murder of Gallagher, who was last seen alive on Sept. 20, 2020, based on CCTV footage of a convenience store on Diefenbaker Drive.
Sutherland, wearing a three-piece black suit and sitting behind his defence lawyers, stared straight with a serious face when the verdict was being read. He later looked at each of the 12 jurors when they were being asked one at a time by the Court Clerk about their decision.
The prosecution said that Sutherland should be denied bail and remanded to custody after presenting evidence that he has shown a pattern of violence against women, based on two assault charges over 10 years ago, one of which involved him choking another female. They added that the horrific facts of his involvement in Gallagher’s death can’t be denied, and it should also be taken into account that the crime was committed against an Indigenous person.
Sutherland’s legal counsel, Blaine Beaven, argued that the accused had no other convictions after 2012 and had not violated his release order since then. He has been working in his aunt and uncle’s catering business and helping with household chores since his uncle is already 80 years old, and disagreed that he set the things in motion that led to the ghastly events of Gallagher’s murder.
The judge denied bail to Sutherland, who was later cuffed and taken into custody by the deputy sheriffs, as the court adjourned. The judge scheduled his sentencing for 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19.
Beaven, in a media briefing after the verdict, said they were obviously disappointed with it since they presented a solid defence backed by evidence. They have yet to consider their following action, as he still finds it too early in the appeal process, which they always think for their clients.
Ingrid MacCall, Megan’s mother, said this had been the longest five years in their lives, but added that she was relieved that it had finally ended. Still, she has many questions about the entire justice system. “I hope that everyone will work with us to make a change in how Indigenous women, men, and children are treated,” added MacCall.
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