Sutton Bowers remembered as 'beautiful soul' as accused killers appear in court
Meghan Grant | CBC News | Posted: October 11, 2016 6:45 PM | Last Updated: October 11, 2016
James Beaver and Brian Lambert back in court on Oct. 1
A Calgary man killed over the weekend is being remembered by his music festival community as a kind and gentle guy who was never afraid to be himself.
Sutton Bowers' two roommates — James Beaver, 51, and Brian Lambert, 41 — are each charged with manslaughter in his death and made brief court appearances in court on Tuesday morning.
"I was happy to call him family," said Sean Leahy, who was a close friend and former roommate of Bowers'.
"Sutton was always peculiar but intelligent. Informed but on another plane of existence."
Bowers and Leahy met at the Shambhala music festival years ago and had been roommates for a time.
"I loved Sutton as a brother and I knew him to be be loving, compassionate and a truly unique and beautiful soul," Leahy said.
Lambert's sister came to court to see her brother who appeared over CCTV.
Police have said that there had been some kind of ongoing dispute between the men and that the manslaughter charges signal that investigators don't believe the men intended to kill the 33-year-old victim.
Neither of the accused has a criminal record in Alberta.
An autopsy is scheduled for Bowers today.
Beaver and Lambert will be be back in court on Monday.
Leahy says he is planning something to commemorate his friend.
Leahy says he is planning something to commemorate his friend.
"I will cherish the memories I have with him and I know that his ever inquisitive soul has found peace and understanding."
- MORE CRIME NEWS | One injured in southeast shooting
- MORE CRIME NEWS | Turning the other cheek: Calgary Muslim leader seeks dialogue after Islamic centre vandalized