Barry Pruden was 47 at the time of his death last year. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Guilty verdict in Pruden homicide case

May 3, 2023 | 5:34 PM

Fighting back tears of joy, Bonnie Lussier stood outside Prince Albert Provincial Court Wednesday afternoon and expressed her happiness with a judge’s verdict.

The youth charged with murdering Lussier’s brother Barry Pruden in late May, 2022, was found guilty of second degree murder.

“We’re happy …very happy. That’s what we were hoping for,” Lussier said.

On the night of the incident, Barry Pruden was attacked along the city’s riverbank area, just north of the provincial courthouse. According to evidence heard during the trial, he and his daughter had been confronted by a group of youths.

In an act of self-defense, Pruden pulled a gardening tool out of his bag and struck one of the youths on the hand, who then responding by stabbing Pruden multiple times to the head, neck and chest areas. After falling to the ground, and lying face down in a pool of his own blood, Pruden was then further beaten by the youths, until they were scared off by the sounds of sirens.

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During last month’s trial, the Crown called five civilian witnesses, including Pruden’s daughter, who testified her father had died trying to protect her. Able to escape the scene and call for help, she returned to find her father lying on the ground.

The youth responsible was ultimately connected to the scene by the blood droplets found on his shoes and the injury to his hand. Several witnesses also testified to him admitting to what he had done.

While noting inconsistencies with witness testimony, and the possibility one of the young witnesses may have even played a larger role, Judge Felicia Daunt said there was still enough corroborating and physical evidence to leave no doubt in her mind the youth before her was guilty.

“I can think of no other explanation,” she said.

Addressing Pruden’s use of the gardening tool, Daunt said the youth was very much the aggressor that day, and Pruden had every right to defend himself.

A pre-sentence report, which will look at the youth’s personal background, has been ordered and the case itself has been adjourned to June 5. While it’s a strong possibility, it’s not clear if the expected lengthy sentencing will occur that day.

In addition to the multiple family members in court Wednesday, both for the accused and the victim, representatives from the Prince Albert Police Service were also in attendance observing.

A second youth charged in the case is currently awaiting trial at Court of King’s Bench.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell