Arley Cook died in December 2021. The man accused of killing him has been acquitted of manslaughter and was instead convicted of aggravated assault. (Facebook)

By Susan McNeil

Acquitted of manslaughter

Black Lake death ends in aggravated assault conviction

Aug 12, 2024 | 4:29 PM

Jerrick Stalthanee was acquitted of manslaughter in Prince Albert Court of King’s Bench Monday afternoon and instead convicted of aggravated assault.

Justice G.A. Meschishnick said while there was no doubt that Stalthanee struck Arley Cook over the head and caused his skull to fracture, he was left with doubts about the role alcohol might have played.

“I am not quite convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the injuries resulted in death,” he said.

He said that despite reviewing the medical evidence multiple times there still was a chance that alcohol was a factor.

“I concluded that the Crown had not satisfied me that there was no point in time where the victim had a blood alcohol content that may have…inhibited his breathing functions…,” said Meschishnick.

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After the Crown and defence consulted, both agreed that a charge of aggravated assault could be considered a lesser offence, a decision that was acted upon.

Mechischnick convicted Stalthanee of the lesser offence and set the sentencing date for August 14. On August 14, another there was another adjournment to allow the victim’s family time to complete their victim impact statement.

A new sentencing date was set for August 20.

Both Crown and defence will prepared a joint submission on sentencing, which judges normally act upon but are not required to.

During the trial in April, the testimony of a witness who was also drinking with Stalthanee and Cook was that he had passed out and woken to the sound of Cook being hit in the head multiple times.

Robert Broussie said that after he and Cook left that house, they walked to where Cook lived. While he could not recall if anything was said, Broussie stated when he left Cook at the house, his friend was walking fine.

Hours later, Cook was found deceased.

No family members for Stalthanee or Cook were in court for this hearing, but have been in the past.

Sentencing will be at Court of King’s Bench.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com