Verdict possible Friday in shooting of RCMP officers
Defence argues accused’s uncle was the only one who fired shots
WETASKIWIN — Sawyer Robison’s uncle was the only person who used two firearms and wounded two RCMP officers on a farm east of Killam on Feb. 7, 2012, a Wetaskiwin court heard Thursday.
During closing arguments, Robison’s lawyer, Brian Beresh, said Const. Sidney Gaudette and Const. Sheldon Shah entered the rural house in a “storm trooperlike avalanche” and discovered Robison standing in a room, unarmed.
When Robison’s uncle Bradford Clarke heard shouting, Beresh said the man armed himself with two firearms, a .40-calibre Glock in the left hand, a .45-calibre gun in the right, and came into the area, still naked from a bath.
“For whatever reason, whatever thoughts were in his mind, he came blazing into the area, discharging both guns simultaneously,” Beresh told the courtroom, with about 25 of Robison’s supporters in attendance.
“That occurred so quickly, we say that a reasonable individual could not have responded except by way of self protection, that is, to get out of the way.”
Robison has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, as well as assault and weapons charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Beresh also pointed to the testimony provided by the two wounded officers, who both said during the trial that they did not see Robison with a weapon at any time during the event.
“It is clear to both of them he has no weapons. He has a short-sleeved shirt, nothing on his person, no suggestion there might be some weapon on him in any fashion,” Beresh said. “No weapon. No firearm. No threats.”
Robison was the target of a massive RCMP manhunt in the days following the shooting after he fled the scene. Beresh said Robison’s departure — which he noted the Crown did not establish a timeline for — was because he was fearful, not guilty.
“That departure is consistent with someone who is afraid, having been confronted by the police in this aggressive, storm-trooper type fashion and then bearing witness to an unexpected gunfight,” Beresh said.
He said the possible argument that Robison was a second shooter does not match the evidence provided by a firearms expert earlier in the trial.
“It’s pure speculation,” Beresh said.
The defence will continue its closing arguments Friday morning and the Crown is scheduled to present its closing statements shortly after.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin suggested he could issue a verdict Friday. asiekierska@ edmontonjournal.com Twitter.com/alicjawith