26 year-old Kyle Gilpin has been sentenced to 6 and a half years behind bars after fatally shooting his step-father in 2018.
In October of 2018, Gilpin shot his 36 year-old step-father, Douglas Alexis, on the territory of the Tsi Del Del First Nation.
Alexis, who was from the Ulkatcho First Nation, later died in his sleep, and Gilpin was initially charged with second degree murder.
But, following a 2021 BC Supreme Court trial, Gilpin was found guilty instead of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Justice Marguerite Church took a number of factors in to account when sentencing Gilpin, who is himself Indigenous, including the Gladue Report.
According to Justice Church, while growing up, Gilpin was exposed to violence, alcoholism, and few opportunities to connect with his culture.
While in custody, Gilpin, who admitted to struggling with alcoholism, worked to manage his sobriety, and completed his high school education.
Having been held in custody since 2018, Gilpin will get credit for time served, leaving him with just under 3 and a half years to serve.
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