THUNDER BAY - Randel Wabasse will spend another four years in a federal penitentiary after being convicted of manslaughter for his involvement in a 2014 death.
On Wednesday, Wabasse was sentenced to eight years, minus four years served, for his role in the death of 46-year-old Adam Nicodemus Beaver. Wabasse was also found to be a dangerous offender and will be subjected to 10 years supervision.
On May 14, 2014, Wabasse, then 21-years-old, and Shauna Suganaqueb arrived at Beaver’s south Cumberland Street apartment building shortly after 4 a.m. Suganaqueb was invited by Beaver but Wabasse was not welcomed.
After refusing to leave, Beaver was assaulted by Wabasse several times in the vestibule and hallway, resulting in severe internal trauma. Four hours later, Suganaqueb phoned her mother and informed her of the assault, who then contacted police.
When police arrived, Beaver was found in his apartment bleeding and with no vital signs. Wabasse and Suganaqueb were found hiding in a separate room in the apartment.
The incident was caught on the building’s surveillance cameras, showing Wabasse attack Beaver in the vestibule of the apartment complex.
“It appears from the video that Mr. Wabasse was not welcomed,” said Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick during the sentencing at Thunder Bay Superior Court. “He literally showed him the door.”
“It was a particularly long and vicious attack,” Fitzpatrick continued. “It is clear Mr. Wabasse was the aggressor.”
Wabasse was first charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The crown called for a sentence of 10 years, minus time served, while the defense asked for a lighter sentence of six years, minus time served.
Fitzpatrick said there were several mitigating factors influencing his ruling, including Wabasse’s upbringing that included a history of sexual and physical abuse, violence, and alcoholism. He also cited Wabasses admission of guilt and genuine remorse for his actions.
However, he also cited the impact Beaver’s death has had on his family, who are struggling through more tragedy following the death of Moses Beaver at the Thunder Bay District Jail earlier this month.
“I will carry this burden for the rest of my life,” Wabasse told the members of Beaver's family in court. “I am truly sorry for the pain and grief I have caused. I hope one day you will forgive me.”
Wabasse remained expressionless throughout the ruling, but broke into tears when granted permission to hug his mother before leaving the courtroom.
