In sentencing Shane Grenier's killer, judge says case exemplified the harm caused by drug trafficking

The Hamilton man who shot and killed Shane Grenier in 2022 was sentenced to 5½ years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter, in a case the justice described as a "stark example about the perils of drug trafficking." 

"Our community is plagued by the devastation of drug addiction and drug trafficking," Ontario Court Justice Joe Fiorucci said on Sept. 5 when he sentenced Owen Silverthorne for manslaughter. 

Silverthorne, 23, who pleaded guilty, will be in jail for about 2½ more years. In delivering his sentence, Fiorucci gave Silverthorne credit for time already spent behind bars since his arrest and for "harsh" conditions while incarcerated.

Silverthorne's defence lawyer told the court that while at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, Silverthorne spent many nights sleeping on the floor and over 100 days under full or partial lockdown.

The Crown and defence agreed on a suggested sentence prior to Silverthorne's sentencing hearing, which the justice accepted.

The parties agreed that on March 6, 2022, Silverthorne and Grenier met for a drug deal. Grenier planned to rob Silverthorne using a realistic-looking BB gun, they said, and that led to a fight. Silverthorne shot Grenier through the neck and pushed him out of the car, leaving him dying in the street. 

The court heard Silverthorne reported his car stolen to police but really burned it to destroy evidence. He also disposed of his and Grenier's phones, and his gun.

Family members say dad's death caused lasting pain

Three of Grenier's family members read victim impact statements at the sentencing. Jennifer Coto, Grenier's partner of 11 years and mother of their two daughters, called the day Grenier died the worst of her life.

He was her "best friend," she said, and "addiction, drugs and gun violence took his life at 39 years old."

Coto said her children's mental health has suffered. 

Her eldest daughter, Shayla Grenier, told the court, "I know my dad had some problems," but he was "filled with love and laughter," and "did his best," to get help with addiction.

She said if she'd known she'd never see him again, she'd have spent more time hugging him and watching their favourite shows. 

Grenier's aunt says man who killed nephew can turn life around

Nancy Grenier, Shane's aunt, said he was "more like a son to me" than a nephew and she will remember his sense of humour.

"I don't want Shane to be judged for his struggles," she said, adding that mental illness is complex and without the right support, some people turn to drugs. 

Grenier said her nephew "fell many times and got back up."

"The way Shane was discarded like a piece of trash [whose] life meant nothing was particularly heinous."

She also said Silverthorne is young and can turn his life around. "I hope that he will seize this opportunity and realize that life can be good, make better choices moving forward and choose a ... life where he doesn't feel the need to carry an illegal firearm or distribute drugs. Nothing good comes from that lifestyle."

"Shane doesn't have the opportunity to turn his life around but Mr. Silverthorne does." 

Assistant Crown attorney Bruce Sosa acknowledged had he not pleaded guilty, Silverthorne may have reasonably been able to argue he was acting in self-defence. 

Fiorucci said Silverthorne, who also spoke at the sentencing, showed remorse. 

"I would just like to apologize to the Grenier family for the traumatizing experience and the tragedy I caused," Silverthorne said.

He also apologized to his own family for the stress he put them through.

"I'm going to use the rest of my time in incarceration to better myself as a person."

Justice thinks Silverthorne can be rehabilitated

The court heard Silverthorne has a criminal record as a youth and an adult, including robbery in 2019.

His lawyer said he left school in Grade 9 and intends to finish his GED while incarcerated. 

At the end of the sentencing, Fiorucci thanked Grenier's family for their involvement and their "grace."

He said he thinks Silverthorne can be rehabilitated and wished him good luck.