Roderick Sutherland has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the 2020 killing of Megan Gallagher, following a verdict delivered 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.
During the court proceedings, Megan’s family and friends were present, reacting with gasps, sobs, and hugs as the verdict was announced by Justice John Morrall. Megan’s father, Brian Gallagher, expressed relief upon hearing the guilty verdict, stating that it felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. He shared that for over five years since Megan’s disappearance, the journey had been indescribable, and the only closure they could hope for would be Megan’s return, which was now impossible.
Describing Megan as a joyful, compassionate, and generous person, Brian reminisced about her spirit and kindness. The legal process for the Gallagher family began five years ago with Megan’s mysterious disappearance, which was later confirmed as a homicide. Her remains were discovered two years after she went missing, near the South Saskatchewan River.
The trial revealed disturbing details of Gallagher’s death, indicating that she was tied to a chair, assaulted, and murdered in a Saskatoon garage by a group of individuals. Subsequently, several people were implicated in her disappearance and death, with varying charges and outcomes.
Roderick Sutherland’s trial commenced on October 6, with the defence arguing that he tried to intervene as the situation escalated in the garage. However, the Crown contended that Sutherland’s involvement throughout the incident, despite not being the one who directly caused Megan’s death, warranted his conviction.
Following the jury’s decision, Sutherland was ordered into custody by Justice Morrall. The sentencing is scheduled for December 19, with the defence possibly seeking a provincial jail term while the Crown aims for a longer sentence.
This development marks a significant step in the legal process for Megan Gallagher’s family, providing a sense of closure as they continue to navigate the aftermath of her tragic death.