Key Takeaways:
- On Sunday, a Calgary jury found one man guilty of second-degree murder and another guilty of manslaughter in the death of a well-known chef.
- Justice Blair Nixon asked the jury if they had any recommendations for an appropriate release period for Dodgson, who had been sentenced to life in prison.
In the killing of a well-known chef, a Calgary jury found 1 man guilty of second-degree murder and another guilty of manslaughter on Sunday.
On March 14, 2020, Anthony Dodgson and Tommie Holloway pleaded not guilty to 2nd murder in the death of Christophe Herblin in the parking lot outside of his soon-to-open cafe.
Herblin had been an executive sous chef at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club for years, and his new restaurant was about to open.
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When a car drove by, the two males broke into the restaurant to break through the wall into the adjacent cannabis shop.
Later, they returned to carry out their heist plan but were frustrated when the victim refused to leave.
Holloway damaged Herblin’s car windows to entice him back into the parking lot, where Dodgson attacked him as well as stabbed him nine times, according to the prosecution. Herblin limped to a neighboring petrol station for assistance but died shortly after police arrived.
The jury convicted Dodgson guilty of second-degree murder after a day and a half of deliberation. At the same time, Holloway was ruled not guilty of murder but guilty of the lesser-and-included felony of manslaughter.
Dodgson’s counsel had requested the jury to find her client solely guilty of manslaughter since he was high on drugs as well as alcohol at the time of the attack and couldn’t recall all of the specifics of the attack save that he had been in a “tussle” with the victim.
According to Holoway’s lawyer, his client had nothing to do with the incident and had simply damaged Herblin’s car windows out of rage before fleeing before it started.
A key Crown witness claimed that she’s seen both accused with knives earlier in the day and that they had discussed attacking the victim to get access to the company just seconds before it happened.
Justice Blair Nixon questioned the jurors if they had any suggestions for a suitable release length for Dodgson, who was sentenced to life in prison. Six people suggested ten years, while the other six said they didn’t know.
For Dodgson and Holloway, the court ordered a Gladue report, which evaluates the sentence of a criminal with Indigenous heritage. Holloway’s attorney also requested that his client receive a pre-sentence report.
The date for the sentencing hearing has been set for April 22.
Justice Nixon commended the jury members for their work during the trial, which was supposed to last three weeks but lasted six.
“You have rendered an essential service in the administration of justice by your participation in this case,” Nixon stated.
“On behalf of myself and all Canadians, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your commitment to our cause.”
Source: CTV News
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