Roderick Sutherland has been convicted of manslaughter in relation to the 2020 killing of Megan Gallagher. A jury of 12 individuals at the Court of King’s Bench in Saskatoon delivered the verdict on Friday afternoon following a two-day deliberation. The jury also found Sutherland guilty of unlawful confinement and disrespecting human remains.
The family and friends of Megan were present in the courtroom, reacting with gasps, sobs, and embraces as the jury disclosed the verdict to Justice John Morrall. Megan’s father, Brian Gallagher, expressed relief outside the court, mentioning that hearing the guilty verdicts felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest.
Reflecting on the five-year and 27-day journey since Megan’s disappearance, Brian shared his thoughts with reporters, highlighting the profound loss and longing for closure that the family continues to grapple with. He described Megan as a joyful, caring individual who always put others before herself.
The legal process for the Gallagher family began five years ago when Megan, aged 30, vanished under suspicious circumstances. Authorities suspected foul play early on, but it took two years to locate her remains near the South Saskatchewan River. Throughout the trial, disturbing details emerged about the events leading to Megan’s tragic death.
Several individuals were implicated in Megan’s disappearance and demise, with different charges and outcomes for each. Roderick Sutherland’s trial commenced on October 6, with the prosecution arguing that despite not physically causing Megan’s death, Sutherland played a significant role in the events that unfolded.
Following the jury’s decision, the Crown requested Sutherland’s immediate arrest, citing the severity of the crimes and impact on the community. Despite arguments to the contrary, Justice Morrall ordered Sutherland to be taken into custody. His sentencing is set for December 19, with the defense aiming for a provincial jail term while the Crown seeks a longer sentence.
The verdict marks a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings surrounding Megan Gallagher’s death, bringing some closure to her family while underscoring the enduring pain of their loss.
