Jurors in the trial of Roderick Sutherland have been presented with all the explicit details surrounding the death of Megan Gallagher five years ago in a Saskatoon garage. They are set to deliberate behind closed doors later this week to determine the degree of Sutherland’s involvement in the events leading to her death on September 20, 2020.
Facing charges of manslaughter, unlawful confinement, and indignity to human remains, Sutherland maintains his plea of not guilty. The trial, held at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench, commenced on October 6.
During the trial, Crown prosecutor Bill Burge and defense attorney Blaine Beaven delivered their concluding arguments to the jury. Burge emphasized Sutherland’s deep engagement throughout the ordeal, stressing that culpability can exist even without direct causation of death.
Contrastingly, Sutherland’s lawyer cautioned the jurors against moral judgment, highlighting the lack of control Sutherland had over the situation, akin to that of Megan Gallagher.
The closing arguments centered on Sutherland’s police interview in July 2021 and the testimony of Robert (Bobby) Thomas, a key witness who did not testify. Burge urged the jurors to scrutinize an agreed statement of facts, providing a timeline of events in the garage and indicating Sutherland’s involvement in Gallagher’s confinement.
According to Sutherland’s police interview, he allowed others to question Gallagher in the garage, but Burge contested Sutherland’s version of events, suggesting inconsistencies. Testimony from Thomas, serving a life sentence for second-degree murder, indicated Sutherland’s active participation in Gallagher’s demise.
Beaven countered by questioning Thomas’s credibility, citing previous lies to the police and a motive of revenge against Sutherland. He argued that Sutherland was caught in a chaotic and uncontrollable situation, influenced by drug use and the erratic behavior of those present.
In his final remarks, Beaven emphasized that the jury’s decision should not be swayed by personal opinions on Sutherland’s lifestyle or associates but should be based on the evidence presented. The case now awaits Justice John Morrall’s instructions to the jury on Thursday morning.
