Halifax student found guilty of murder
Tears, cheers in courtroom from victim’s family following William Sandeson’s verdict
HALIFAX— The mother of a slain university student says she’ll keep searching for her son’s body, with or without the help of his killer.
William Sandeson, a Halifax medical student, was found guilty Sunday of first-degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Taylor Samson.
Sandeson was charged two years ago in the slaying of Samson, a fellow Dalhousie University student whose body has never been found.
There were tears and cheers from members of Samson’s family when the decision was announced after 22 hours of jury deliberation. Sandeson, 24, remained stone-faced as the jury of six men and six women was polled to affirm their agreement with the verdict.
“Turn around and take a bow, Billy,” Samson’s mother, Linda Boutilier, yelled as Sandeson was escorted out of the courtroom.
“Tell us where he is,” another voice shouted from the gallery.
Now that the trial is over, Boutilier said she can concentrate on recovering her son’s remains.
“I want my son back,” she said. “If (Sandeson) doesn’t want to help us, then fine. I’ll find him on my own. I’m not going to stop looking for Taylor. I’m bringing him home.”
The trial heard Samson went to Sandeson’s apartment on Aug. 15, 2015, to sell him nine kilograms of marijuana for $40,000.
Court heard Samson was last seen alive on video walking into Sandeson’s apartment shortly before 10:30 p.m. Outside court, Boutilier said she would sleep soundly for the first time since her son went missing 22 months ago.
“(Sandeson) doesn’t care about his family, my family, Taylor,” Boutilier said. “It’s like, you’re the one who wanted this whole trial. You wouldn’t take a plea bargain, so turn around. Take a bow.”
Boutilier and Taylor’s grandmother, Elizabeth Samson, expressed sympathy for Sandeson’s family, casting them as fellow victims.
“I do feel sorry for his family that they brought up a man like him,” Elizabeth Samson said, her voice quivering with emotion. “I would be heartbroken.”
First-degree murder convictions carry an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years. A formal sentencing hearing has been set for July 11, when victim impact statements will be read.