By Taylor MacPherson

Impaired driver pleads guilty to causing death of Jared Bear, 11

Apr 17, 2017 | 12:00 PM

The man who killed an 11-year-old boy in 2014 while driving under the influence of drugs pleaded guilty today in Prince Albert court.

Gordon Morris Crain, 53, of Muskoday First Nation, changed his plea to guilty this morning, the day his trial was originally scheduled to begin. Crain pleaded guilty to a single charge of drug-impaired driving causing death in connection with an incident dating back to July 26, 2014. On that date he struck and killed 11-year-old Jared Bear with his vehicle while the boy was playing in the ditch with friends. Several other charges against Crain will be withdrawn following his sentencing.

Crain, who was released on bail in 2014, was supported in court by family and friends and spoke only to answer “yes” to the judge’s questions and to enter his plea of “guilty.”

Outside the courtroom, Bear’s family said the change of plea came as a huge relief after a case which has languished in the court system for nearly three full years.

“It was really hard to see Gordon today,” Bear’s mother Raelene Adam told paNOW. “We were waiting for him to finally own up to what he’s done.”

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

12h ago

Weather issues

Old man winter returns for one more round

12h ago

Unlocking success in real estate with Glenn Zdrill

16h ago

Adam, along with Jared’s father Vince Bear and their young son Hayden, attended this morning’s proceedings wearing bright yellow t-shirts emblazoned with “Justice for Jared.” Adam said she remembers Jared as a bright young boy who was tall for his age and wanted to be a nurse.

“He had this magnetic personality. He could make friends with anybody,” Adam said, wiping away a tear.

Adam noted her son was in the ditch rather than on the highway itself when he was struck by Crain, and said she would like to see his now-confessed killer serve a lengthy sentence behind bars.

“I want him to go to the pen,” she said. “I want him to do time.”

A presentence report was ordered for Crain, which will canvass his personal and social circumstances with specific attention to his status as an Indigenous offender. At his sentencing, which will be held June 16, Crain could face life in prison.

taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews