Roderick Sutherland was convicted of manslaughter in connection with the 2020 murder of Megan Gallagher by a 12-person jury at Court of King’s Bench in Saskatoon. The jury also found Sutherland guilty of unlawful confinement and offering an indignity to human remains after deliberating for two days. In the courtroom, Megan’s family and friends reacted with gasps, sobs, and hugs as Justice John Morrall received the verdict.
Brian Gallagher, Megan’s father, expressed relief outside the court, stating that hearing the jury foreperson announce the guilty verdicts felt like a weight being lifted off his chest. He shared his thoughts on the long journey since Megan’s disappearance, mentioning the desire for closure that can never be achieved as Megan’s presence is forever missed.
Describing Megan as a joyful, humorous, and compassionate person, Brian highlighted her generosity and willingness to help others selflessly. The legal process for the Gallagher family began five years ago when Megan vanished under suspicious circumstances. Police suspected foul play early on and discovered her remains two years later near the South Saskatchewan River.
During the trial, shocking details emerged about the events leading to Gallagher’s death, revealing a harrowing ordeal in a Saskatoon garage where she was tied to a chair, assaulted, and killed. Nine individuals were implicated in her disappearance and death, each facing varying charges and legal outcomes.
Roderick Sutherland’s trial commenced on October 6, with the defense arguing that he tried to intervene in the escalating situation that led to Gallagher’s death. However, the Crown maintained that Sutherland’s involvement from the beginning to the end of the incident warranted the guilty verdicts.
Following the jury’s decision, Sutherland was taken into custody as the Crown emphasized the severity of the offense and the community’s shock. The sentencing is scheduled for December 19, with the defense considering a provincial jail sentence and the Crown seeking a longer term.
The legal proceedings have been emotionally taxing for both families involved, with the hope for justice and closure driving them through the turbulent journey of seeking accountability for Megan’s tragic fate.
