Closing arguments take place in Banff stabbing trial

A B.C. man on trial for murder "took a knife out and used it in a fist fight," prosecutor Kaitlyn Perrin told jurors Monday during closing arguments in the case of a fatal stabbing in Banff in 2022. 

John Sproule, 23, admitted to killing the 27-year-old man outside of a Banff bar in September 2022 but has maintained throughout the trial that he acted in self-defence. 

"Ryden Brogden's death is tragic," said defence lawyer Cory Wilson. "But tragedy is not evidence of murder."

Closing arguments took place Monday. Wilson asked jurors to acquit his client while Perrin asked the panel to find him guilty of second-degree murder. 

On the September long weekend in 2022, Sproule was in Banff with his parents and other members of his family. Sproule and his brother were bar-hopping on the night of the killing. 

Brogden, from Priddis, Alta., was with his friend in Banff for the night en route to B.C. for a fishing trip.

• Man on trial for Banff murder says he was acting in self-defence

The victim and accused had never met before the violent interaction in Banff. 

In the early morning hours of Sept. 3, the two pairs were outside the Dancing Sasquatch when Sproule tried to bum a cigarette from Brogden.

A physical altercation ensued. 

Sproule testified that he was pushed and sucker punched by Brogden, who told him to "f–k off."

In response, Sproule testified he said, "What the f–k is wrong with you?" 

"Johnny Sproule was violently and brutally attacked by Ryden Brogden for absolutely no reason," Wilson told jurors. 

'Narrative of lies'

From there, Sproule said, Brogden "ragdolled" him around, punching him repeatedly and then pulled his shirt over his head so he couldn't see. 

Sproule said he couldn't get away and pulled out his work knife from his jeans pocket and swung it at Brogden. 

The victim suffered 19 stab and slash wounds. 

"In the course of a fist fight, Mr. Sproule took out a knife and began using it against his opponent," said Perrin. "This is not a reasonable response given the brief nature of this fight."

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A key witness for the Crown, Howard Pearse, testified he heard Sproule threaten to "shank" Brogden. 

But even Pearse told a "narrative of lies," argued Wilson. 

The Crown conceded that Pearse was "impeached on multiple occasions" but still asked jurors to accept his testimony about the shank threat.

On Tuesday, jurors will hear Justice Johanna Price's final instructions on how to apply the law to their deliberations before they are sequestered until a verdict is reached.