By Taylor MacPherson

Orren Johnson sentenced for role in Bear shooting

Mar 22, 2017 | 5:00 PM

While the crime he was convicted of carries a mandatory punishment of life imprisonment, Orren Johnson, 28, was present in Prince Albert court today, March 22 to receive his sentence.

Johnson, 28, was convicted and sentenced for his role in the 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Clayton James Bear. After a lengthy trial last month, a Prince Albert jury found Johnson guilty of first-degree murder and co-accused 23-year-old Jordan Herron guilty of second-degree murder for their roles in the murder.

Johnson, wearing a black hoodie, black pants and leg irons, declined his opportunity to speak before his sentencing and appeared stoic throughout.

“I have nothing to say,” Johnson told the court.

Justice Jeffrey Kalmakoff called first-degree murder “the most serious offense in Canadian law,” and sentenced Johnson to the required life in prison without eligibility for parole for 25 years. At his sentencing Feb. 16, Herron was also given a life sentence and will not be eligible for parole for 11 years.

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Johnson was also handed a lifetime prohibition on owning firearms or ammunition, and will be required to submit DNA samples.

Family members of both Johnson and Herron were present at the hearing, seated on opposite sides of the courtroom. After the brief proceedings concluded, both groups left the court engaged in an expletive-laden shouting match which continued until they reached their respective vehicles and departed.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews