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Darren Laviolette Jr. was found deceased outside Carlton Park apartments. (Image Credit: Facebook)
In the courts

Sentencing proceeds in Prince Albert manslaughter case

May 26, 2026 | 5:16 PM

One of two men charged in the killing of a Prince Albert man has been sentenced to eight years in prison. 

Hayden Joseyounen appeared in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Tuesday, where his lawyer, Evan Strelioff, confirmed a guilty plea to manslaughter. 

Darren Laviolette Jr. was found dead outside Carlton Park Apartments in the 1200 block of 28th Street East on Sept. 1, 2024

Head and Joseyounen were later arrested and jointly charged with murder. Police found Head in Melfort and Joseyounen at a Prince Albert residence. 

Darrenson Head could still face a jury trial, so a publication ban covers the evidence heard in court on Tuesday. His preliminary inquiry is scheduled to begin Aug. 27, with additional days set for September

A picture taken at the time of the initial investigation.
A picture taken at the time of the initial investigation. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

 Laviolette’s family filled about half the courtroom for the sentencing hearing, during which a member of the Prince Albert Police Service Victim Services Unit read three victim impact statements. 

 The statements described the family’s deep loss, how much they missed Darren’s “just because” visits and his dream of graduating and pursuing a career in the trades. 

 “All that was taken away,” his grandmother wrote. 

 “All I can feel is the pain of losing him,” Laviolette’s sister added. 

 Along with the manslaughter sentence, Joseyounen received another six months for his role in two assaults while on remand at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre. 

Joseyounen received 516 days’ credit for time served on remand and will face a lifetime weapons prohibition after his release from custody. 

When provided the opportunity to speak, Joseyounen apologized, accepted full responsibility and said he wished he could take it back. 

At the conclusion of the hearing, Laviolette’s family members were visibly upset with the sentence.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com 

On X: @nigelmaxwell