Python deaths case will not be appealed by Crown

The Campbellton case involving a python that killed two sleeping boys in 2013 has reached the end of the line in the criminal courts.

Crown prosecutor Pierre Rouselle told Radio-Canada on Tuesday that there will not be an appeal of python owner Jean-Claude Savoie's acquittal on a charge of criminal negligence causing death.

A jury found Savoie, 40, not guilty on Nov. 9 after an eight-day trial.

• Jean-Claude Savoie found not guilty in python deaths of 2 boys
• RCMP's handling of python case challenged by Jean-Claude Savoie's lawyer

Brothers Connor Barthe, 6, and Noah Barte, 4, were killed by Savoie's African rock python while on a sleepover in Savoie's apartment with his son.

The python, which measured 12 feet four inches long (3.8 metres) and had a diameter of 4.25 inches (10.8 centimetres), escaped its enclosure through a ventilation pipe near that ceiling that was 3.5 inches (8.9 centimetres) in diameter. The 53-pound (24 kilogram) python then fell through the ceiling tiles in the adjoining room, where the boys were sleeping.

The trial heard testimony that the dryer-like vent cover for the air duct was not firmly attached and that there was a previous escape attempt by the snake.

The defence argued that the previous escape attempt convinced Savoie there was no need to affix the vent cover as it caused him to believe a snake of that size could not escape through such a small opening.

One of the key elements the Crown needed to prove for Savoie to be found guilty was that Savoie showed wanton and reckless disregard for the safety of others in his actions.