Thomas was to stand trial on a first-degree murder charge, but pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder.
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Instead of going to trial for first-degree murder, Robert “Bobby” James Joseph Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Saskatoon woman Megan Gallagher.
The plea came last week, before next month’s scheduled judge-alone trial at Saskatoon Court of King’s Bench. Sentencing has been set for Nov. 25, when an agreed statement of facts will be read out in court, defence lawyer Mike Nolin confirmed.
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“Mr. Thomas wanted to put an end to the suffering for the Gallaghers. They have endured the unspeakable for years,” he said when asked why his client decided to plead out.
“(Thomas) can’t undo what he did. He can only take responsibility for his role in it.”
Gallagher’s father and stepmother were in court for the plea. They said a second-degree murder conviction still sends a strong message.
“Even though it was difficult to hear, it did help us after four long years, to hear and see him in person plead guilty to causing the death of Megan. It was an admission of guilt from his own mouth, no more game playing, or dragging it out, so I guess it just eases our souls and spirits a bit,” the couple said through an email.
Thomas, 29, was committed to stand trial for first-degree murder after a preliminary hearing was held last year. He is one of nine people who were charged in connection with Gallagher’s disappearance and death.
The 30-year-old woman was last seen on surveillance video at a Saskatoon convenience store on Sept. 20, 2020. She was a missing person for two years, until her remains were found on the South Saskatchewan River near St. Louis, Sask. on Sept. 29, 2022.
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Nine days earlier, Thomas was arrested in Prince George, B.C. He is one of four people charged with murder.
Two women, Cheyann Crystal Peeteetuce and Summer-Sky Jodylynn Henry, still face first-degree murder charges. Their jury trial is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025.
Roderick William Sutherland is also charged with first-degree murder, while Thomas Richard Sutherland is charged with manslaughter and unlawful confinement. Their jury trials are also set for next year.
Three other co-accused were sentenced last year. John Wayne Sanderson, Jessica Faye Badger and Ernest Vernon Whitehead pleaded guilty to offering an indignity to human remains.
Robin Tyler John was charged with aggravated assault and forcible confinement, but his charges were stayed.
The Gallaghers said they hope the sentiment shared by the defence is sincere, but their suffering will never end.
“These crimes reach so deep into our community, it’s alarming. Even watching (Thomas’s) mother and family crying in court put into perspective how deep it truly goes, and had a huge impact on us.
“There are absolutely no winners and everyone suffers far and wide from these inhumane acts of violence.”
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