WARNING: This account contains troubling details.
The prosecution plans to present evidence suggesting that Megan Gallagher was confined and killed by a group of individuals in the garage of Roderick Sutherland’s residence, as stated by Crown prosecutor Bill Burge in his opening statement to the jury at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench.
Sutherland faces charges of manslaughter, unlawful confinement, and desecration of human remains, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The trial, presided over by Justice John Morrall, is anticipated to span two weeks, with several of Gallagher’s relatives and supporters present on the first day.
Gallagher, a 30-year-old mother, vanished over five years ago in Saskatoon and was discovered two years later along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
Prosecution Claims Accused Permitted Group Affiliated with Gang to Use His Garage
The court heard that Gallagher met her demise in a garage on Weldon Avenue in Saskatoon.
According to Burge, the prosecution’s argument is not centered on Sutherland acting independently but on his alleged involvement with others who carried out the unlawful actions leading to Gallagher’s death.
Burge mentioned that jurors will hear about Robert (Bobby) Thomas, Cheyann Peeteetuce, and Summer Sky Henry during the trial since they also faced charges in connection to Gallagher’s death and pleaded guilty.
Burge mentioned that the Crown will present evidence indicating that the trio arrived at Sutherland’s garage in the early hours of Sept. 20, 2020, expressing a desire to question Megan Gallagher.
Allegedly aware of their association with the Terror Squad gang, Sutherland allegedly granted them access to the garage and retreated into his residence.
The prosecution claims that Sutherland revisited the garage multiple times while Gallagher was confined and subsequently killed.
Burge stated that Sutherland informed the police of the distressing situation. He purportedly returned to find Gallagher bound to a chair, then left, only to return and discover her lifeless body at a later point.
Agreed Details
Before adjourning on Monday, co-Crown prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt read an agreed statement of facts detailing undisputed elements of the case.
The facts shed light on some of Gallagher’s final moments before her tragic fate.
According to the statement, Peeteetuce contacted Megan Gallagher at 4:30 a.m. on Sept 20, 2020, to purchase drugs.
Subsequently, Gallagher met a man at a convenience store, withdrew cash, and then vanished after contacting Peeteetuce.
At 6:17 a.m., she disembarked from a cab on Weldon Avenue and conversed with Peeteetuce over the phone, after which she became unresponsive to further communication.
The Crown plans to present evidence of Sutherland’s involvement in arrangements to dispose of Gallagher’s body, although he was reportedly not present during the body’s relocation.
The trial proceeds on Tuesday with the Crown’s first witness expected to testify. Sutherland is being represented by lawyers Blaine Beaven and Alora Arnold.