In a tragic incident that occurred in 2020, two Alberta men, Roger Bilodeau and his son Anthony, were involved in the fatal shooting of two Metis hunters, Jacob Sansom and his uncle Maurice Cardinal. The incident took place near Glendon, northeast of Edmonton, when the Bilodeaus became concerned about a truck parked at the end of their rural property. They pursued the vehicle, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence. Anthony, the shooter, discharged the fatal shots, while Roger was found liable as a willing participant in the crime.
Following a trial, Roger was convicted of two counts of manslaughter, and Anthony was convicted of both manslaughter and second-degree murder. However, both men appealed their convictions, arguing that the trial judge had erred in instructing the jury. Roger’s lawyer contended that the judge had misdirected the jury regarding his liability, while Anthony’s lawyer questioned the interpretation of the law on self-defense.
In recent developments, the appeal courts have rejected the arguments presented by the Bilodeaus’ lawyers. A three-justice panel concluded that any errors made by the trial judge in his instructions to the jury ultimately benefited Roger Bilodeau, and no substantial miscarriage of justice had occurred. One dissenting justice expressed a different view, stating that he would have allowed the appeal and ordered a new trial for Roger. In a separate decision, all three appeal justices dismissed Anthony’s arguments and upheld his convictions.
Currently, Roger Bilodeau is serving a 10-year sentence and has recently been granted day parole. Anthony Bilodeau has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 13 years.
