Brandon teen in high school sword attack case may face adult sentence
More details are emerging about a brutal sword attack in Brandon, Man., involving a teenage suspect who—if convicted—could be sentenced as an adult.
More details are emerging about a brutal sword attack in Brandon, Man., involving a teenage suspect who—if convicted—could be sentenced as an adult.
On Tuesday, Crown prosecutors confirmed they will seek the relatively rare step of an adult sentence for the 16-year-old boy accused of seriously injuring another teen with a sword at a Brandon high school last June.
Prosecutor Jennifer Comack told reporters the Crown plans to upgrade two assault with a weapon charges to attempted murder, meaning the accused now faces three attempted murder charges—carrying a potential adult sentence of life in prison.
Comack also said there were additional victims in the attack.
Brandon police had previously reported only one victim—a 15-year-old boy who suffered stab wounds to his chest, forearms, hands and thighs.
But Police Chief Tyler Bates said Wednesday the accused also chased two other people inside the school with the sword, “with the intention to cause harm,” and with what he described as “mass casualty intentions.”
In June, Bates said the attack was racially motivated, citing a “significant amount” of evidence.
“The offender planned the attack and the perpetration of violence against targets chosen specifically based on race — targeting people of colour and immigrants,” Bates said at the time.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the accused and all victims cannot be identified.
The case returns to court Oct. 7 in Brandon. No trial date has been set.
Which means very little in Canada today, especially if he ticks off any of the right boxes.
There should be NO Young Offenders Act. ALL violent acts should be tried in adult court. That act is only there to protect politicians from embarrassment when their own children commit offences. Violent crime should be met with the strictest of penalties regardless of age. Right now there are situations where adults are using minors to commit crimes with the promise they only get a slap on the wrist. When a teen breaks the law, any law, their picture and name and crime should be posted in all of the Malls and Public Places. Maybe add the parent's pic and name as well. That might just provide the incentive for parents to control kids. Shaming them just might get through to them.