The trial concerning the final individual among nine charged in connection with the death of Megan Gallagher is set to commence in Saskatoon on Monday. Roderick Sutherland, initially accused of first-degree murder, now faces a manslaughter charge following a new indictment by the Crown on August 8.
Megan Gallagher, a 30-year-old mother, disappeared over five years ago in Saskatoon after leaving her friend’s residence on September 19, 2020. Her remains were discovered in the South Saskatchewan River two years later. During the interim period, Gallagher’s family actively searched for her and organized annual walks to raise awareness about her disappearance.
Sutherland was one of four individuals charged with first-degree murder in relation to Gallagher’s death. The other three individuals pleaded guilty to lesser charges before their trials.
Robert (Bobby) Thomas admitted to second-degree murder and received a life sentence with no parole eligibility for 18 years. Although he contested the plea, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal dismissed his request for a retrial. Cheyann Peeteetuce and Summer Sky Henry confessed to manslaughter and were each handed seven-year sentences.
Additional individuals implicated in Gallagher’s demise include Thomas Sutherland, whose manslaughter charge was dropped, Ernest Vernon Whitehead, Jessica Badger (Sutherland), John Wayne Sanderson, and Robin John. Various sentences were handed down to these individuals for their involvement.
Publication bans are in place to safeguard a fair trial for Sutherland by prohibiting the dissemination of specific details related to Gallagher’s murder as disclosed in prior sentencing hearings. Sutherland’s jury trial at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench is scheduled to span three weeks.