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Byron Bear was shot and killed in early December of 2021. (Prince Albert Police)
Nearing resolution

“I’m sorry”: emotional sentencing hearing for man accused of manslaughter

Jan 30, 2025 | 4:00 PM

While hugging the mother of the victim, a man convicted of manslaughter was overheard saying ‘I’m sorry’.

The emotional moment happened at the conclusion of Raine Farrow’s sentencing hearing Wednesday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court and was initiated by Shirley Bear who first asked his permission.

The 26-year-old was one of five men charged in the death of Byron Bear on Dec. 6, 2021. Guilty pleas were previously been entered to both manslaughter and accessory after the fact. As the proposed sentence is being contested, Wednesday’s hearing represented an opportunity for lawyers to present submissions.

The back story

According to the agreed statement of facts read in court, Farrow, along with the four accused had all gathered at a Midtown area home, and were expecting the arrival of some people who were coming to cause trouble over a drug debt.

Bear and others arrived in a white car, and soon after Bear was observed on the home’s security camera smashing out the back window of Farrow’s car which was parked in the driveway. Bear then proceeded to dump gasoline into the car.

That’s when the men inside the house, having armed themselves with various guns, began firing shots from the back doorway of the home. Farrow was not among the armed men, but had provided Riley Primeau with a .22 caliber handgun which he fired at a .45 degree angle into the air.

During this time, shots were also being fired by the people Bear had arrived with and during the exchange of gunfire, Bear was shot in the head.

After the white car drove away, Bear’s lifeless body was located behind Farrow’s car and soon after loaded into the trunk.

Evidence trail at the residence. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Farrow, who was first observed kicking Bear in the head multiple times to check for life, initially asked not to be involved, but was told to drive and with three passengers, travelled to a secluded area near Rosthern and dumped the body. Farrow then assisted with the unloading of Bear’s body.

The four-some then drove to Saskatoon and the car, left parked on the street, was later reported to and impounded by Saskatoon police. There was a pool of blood in the trunk and a powerful smell of gasoline.

Bear was reported missing on Dec. 6 and it would be 63 days before his body was found. It was in fact Farrow who told police where to go, and his co-operation throughout the investigation was described as exemplary.

He also testified for the crown at both Daniel Oliver’s and Kyle Burns’s respective trials.

“The whole situation was messed right up”, he recalled while being cross-examined by defence lawyer Loree Richardson at the Oliver trial.

Farrow testified he was downstairs when the shooting occurred and described hearing what sounded like eight to 10 gun shots. When asked to describe Bear’s body, Farrow could not recall seeing any blood or signs of injury, and said Bear’s face was covered by a black mask.

While in Saskatoon, Farrow explained they took a taxi to buy a new phone and also went to Winners to get some new clothes. Later that night, Farrow used his new phone to call a friend in Prince Albert and offered to pay her $400 if she would come and get him.

Arguments

The Crown is seeking a five year prison sentence. While noting Farrow was not directly involved and his gun was not the one that ultimately shot Bear, Prosecutor Shawn Blackman noted the seriousness of cases where guns are involved and Farrow’s involvement in the disposal of the body.

Blackman however also pointed out that Farrow has no criminal history and his risk to re-offend was assessed as low.

In turn, defence lawyer Ron Piche, who is seeking a two-year community based sentence, noted that while Farrow has been on conditions and a curfew (since May, 2022), there has not been one breach.

“And as we all know at that age there are temptations,” Piche said, adding Farrow has stayed sober and has been working various jobs in the food industry as well as computers.

“It shows clearly to the community he is not a risk in any shape or form,” he said, adding Farrow has sole custody of a young child.

Victim impact statements

While reading from a two-paged typed statement, Bear’s mother was emotional and through tears, described the hardship that came with not knowing where her son was.

“My heart was broken into a million pieces,” she said, and recalled a dream she had where her son came and asked her to come and find him.

Bear’s grandmother would have a similar dream and it was soon after when the body was found.

Noting the important role her faith has played in her healing journey, Shirley said she forgives Farrow and the co-accused for what they have done.

“What happened cannot be taken back,” she said.

When provided the opportunity to speak, Farrow who was supported in court by his own family members, stood and apologized to Byron Bear’s family.

What’s next

Noting the complexity of the case and the need to ensuer a proper decision is made, Judge Rogers reserved her decision to March 13.

Also charged in the case is Daniel Oliver, whose trial wrapped up last month at Court of King’s Bench, and is a verdict is expected in April.

Jackson Henry’s trial has been scheduled to start on Feb. 24.

Riley Primeau was sentenced last February and after entering a guilty plea to manslaughter received an eight-year prison term.

Kyle Burns was acquitted of second degree murder and the lesser offence of manslaughter.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell