Roderick Sutherland has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the 2020 killing of Megan Gallagher. A 12-member jury at Court of King’s Bench in Saskatoon delivered the verdict on Friday, after a two-day deliberation. Sutherland was also found guilty of unlawful confinement and desecrating human remains.
The courtroom was filled with Megan’s loved ones, who reacted with gasps, tears, and embraces as the jury announced the verdict to Justice John Morrall. Megan’s father, Brian Gallagher, expressed relief outside the court, feeling a weight lifted off his chest when the first “guilty” verdict was read. He shared that the moment brought a sense of peace, believing Megan’s grandparents and the Creator were watching over them.
Brian described Megan as a cheerful, funny, and caring individual, willing to sacrifice anything to help others. The legal journey for the Gallagher family began five years ago when Megan went missing under suspicious circumstances. Her remains were discovered two years later along the South Saskatchewan River.
During the trial, disturbing details emerged about Gallagher’s death, revealing she was bound to a chair, assaulted, and murdered by a group of individuals in a Saskatoon garage in September 2020. Nine people were implicated in her disappearance and death. Sutherland’s trial commenced on October 6, with the defense claiming he tried to intervene as the situation escalated, while the Crown argued his involvement from beginning to end.
Sutherland’s defense lawyer expressed disappointment with the verdict but acknowledged the jury’s decision. The defense is considering an appeal. Following the conviction, the Crown requested Sutherland’s immediate custody, emphasizing the severity of the crime. Justice Morrall granted the request, and Sutherland’s sentencing is set for December 19, with the defense seeking a provincial jail term and the Crown aiming for a double-digit sentence.