Victim’s father angry killer might get bail

The father of a Calgary man who was fatally beaten and stabbed outside a city night club angrily greeted news Tuesday that one of the convicted killers could be granted bail.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Jo’Anne Strekaf ruled that a decision to deny bail to Assmar Shlah must be reviewed by a panel while he awaits an appeal of his conviction. Shlah was convicted of firstdegree murder in the Nov. 23, 2013, death of Lukas Strasser-Hird, who was chased down a downtown alley and set upon by a mob.

He’s been sentenced to serve 12 years before being eligible for parole. In her written ruling, Strekaf stated arguments that previous rulings denying Shlah bail were based on “several discrete errors that warrant a review, including material errors of fact and law.

“I am persuaded that the applicant’s position has arguable merit.”

It doesn’t say when the review will be complete.

The victim’s father, Dale Hird, is furious over the decision, calling it another blow to his family by the justice system.

“We’re pretty frustrated and angry — this is the fourth time he’s been going for bail after being convicted of murder,” said Hird.

“The justice system continues to torture our family after our lives have already been ruined.”

If Shlah is granted bail, Hird said, “I’ll lose my mind.”

Franz Cabrera was also convicted of second-degree murder in the swarming death, while Joch Pouk was found guilty of manslaughter.

Nathan Gervais, who is charged with first-degree murder in the case, remains on the lam. His father, Owen, was last month ordered to forfeit $100,000 in bail cash.

Hird voiced disgust with the decision to release Gervais on bail before he disappeared.