Man admits his role in 2015 death

On the fourth day of his trial at Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench, Dustin Trevor Sand unexpectedly pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and manslaughter in connection with the death of Corey Favel.

Through his pleas, Sand, 32, admits he arranged the robbery of a home on Garrison Crescent that ended with Favel — one of four robbery participants — being shot and killed by a man who was the target of Sand’s plan.

Crown prosecutor Melodie Kujawa told the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix that Sand conceded to the facts contained in his warned police statement, a recording of which was played at his trial.

Sand was the getaway driver for Favel and the three gang members who invaded the home with weapons on Oct. 14, 2015. Sand knew there would be drugs, cash and the possibility of a gun inside.

He was charged with manslaughter because he was deemed responsible for the robbery that led to Favel’s death.

“It’s fair to say, now that the judge has accepted the guilty plea, he’s accepting the fact that somebody can be guilty of manslaughter when either a victim or a participant is killed during a home invasion,” Kujawa said.

Sand’s trial, which began Monday, included a recorded police interview with Nicholas MacLeod, who was with Favel during the break-in. MacLeod told an officer that Sand planned the robbery and was familiar with the house.

Sand’s lawyer, Kathy Hodgson Smith, said the sentencing process will allow the public to hear her client’s perspective.

The case has been adjourned until August.