Murray Wood: Of Easter bunny bells and Juicy Fruit gum
For Murray Wood, Easter brings to mind grandma's practical advice about repurposing, and some of life's little lessons.
One of four people charged in the death of Tyler Applegate learned their fate at Court of Queens Bench in Saskatoon Wednesday.
Madison McKeaveney, 24, was sentenced to four years in prison for her role in the 2017 death.
Applegate was shot in the backyard at his 33rd Street duplex in July 2017 and later died in hospital.
Hearing the details in the courtroom was like reliving her son’s death all over again for Margaret Sippola, who said the sentence isn’t enough for taking a life.
Sippola said McKeaveney had a choice to walk away, but didn’t.
“We all have it hard out here and you just make the best of it,” she said.
“You don’t go out and hurt others because of your anger. You just don’t, its wrong.”
Wearing a shirt with a picture of Tyler, Brandon Applegate said he lost more than an uncle, he lost a father figure and mentor.
“He taught me so much,” he said.
“He taught be how to change tires. He taught me how to change break pads. He taught me almost everything. Now he’s not here to help me learn.”
McKeaveney pleaded guilty to an accessory charge for driving the stolen vehicle the four acussed used to leave the scene of the shooting.
The judge accepted a joint submission from the Crown and defence on the four year prison sentence.
Crown Prosecutor Cory Bliss called it all around tragedy.
“A family man, a son, an uncle, a husband stricken from life on an early summer morning for no reason,” Bliss said.
“It’s a very frightening situation that there are people with guns in Saskatoon in broad daylight.”
Three others charged in Applegate’s death are still waiting to be tried in court.
