The Crown plans to present evidence alleging 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 at Sutherland’s trial in Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench. Sutherland faces charges of manslaughter, unlawful confinement, and offering an indignity to human remains, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The trial, overseen by Justice John Morrall, is anticipated to span two weeks with several of Gallagher’s relatives and supporters present.
Gallagher, a 30-year-old mother, went missing over five years ago in Saskatoon and her remains were discovered two years later along the South Saskatchewan River. The prosecution contends that Sutherland permitted a group with gang affiliations to use his garage, leading to Gallagher’s demise. The prosecution posits that Sutherland was not acting alone but was complicit in the series of unlawful actions that led to her death. Mentioned in the trial are Robert (Bobby) Thomas, Cheyann Peeteetuce, and Summer Sky Henry, who were also implicated in Gallagher’s death and entered guilty pleas.
The Crown asserts that Sutherland granted the aforementioned individuals access to the garage in the early hours of September 20, 2020, knowing their gang associations. Sutherland reportedly left them in the garage with Gallagher while he went indoors. Evidence suggests that Sutherland repeatedly visited the garage while Gallagher was confined and subsequently killed. Despite acknowledging the severity of the situation to the police, Sutherland allegedly left and returned to find Gallagher tied up in various locations until discovering her lifeless body.
Prior to adjourning on Monday, co-Crown prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt presented an agreed statement of facts that outlined undisputed details of the case, shedding light on Gallagher’s final moments before her tragic fate. The statement revealed that Peeteetuce contacted Gallagher to procure drugs in the early morning hours of September 20, 2020, eventually leading to Gallagher’s binding and demise. The trial is set to continue with the Crown expected to call its initial witness while Sutherland is being represented by lawyers Blaine Beaven and Alora Arnold.