Killer’s family denounce him in court for fatally stabbing cousin

Relatives of a Siksika man who killed his teen cousin with a sword condemned him Monday before he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Before those victim-impact statements were made to court, a video was aired of Austin Big Tobacco leading RCMP officers through the crime scene, where he admitted plunging a sword into Chase Big Tobacco, 16, as he lay prone outside the accused’s Siksika home during a drinking party Dec. 18, 2014.

“None of this was done on purpose, it just happened,” said an apparently distraught Big Tobacco. “I don’t know why I did it.”

Court heard Big Tobacco then dragged his dying cousin into the home, performed CPR on him and called 911, but fled when police approached.

Initially charged with seconddegree murder, Big Tobacco, 21, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and in a joint submission, both the Crown and the defence agreed to a 10-year prison term. Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Craig Jones delivered that sentence.

While an aunt said she still loved him and that the family had lost two people from the crime, the victim’s mother, Jill Old Woman, castigated Big Tobacco, saying her family had welcomed him into their home when he was shunned by other relatives.

“Look at how you repaid us for the generosity toward you,” she said, glaring at the man in the prisoner’s box. “Chase wanted us to take you in so badly — I wish I never listened to him … you ruined my life, you ruined my family’s life.”

The dead teen’s grandmother, Gwendora Bear Chief, described him as a kind and considerate young man.

“He offered his home to you, but you responded by taking his life,” she said. “We’re supposed to forgive, but I’m not ready.”

The dead teen’s young age and the manner of the assault call for a stern punishment, said Crown prosecutor Vince Pingitore.

With 22 months already served in jail, Big Tobacco will serve 7 1/4 years.