Driver who allegedly struck and killed young boy gets bail

Toddler’s enraged family storm from courtroom over decision

The man accused of crashing his vehicle into the patio of a south-side restaurant, killing a two-year-old boy, was granted bail Friday.

Richard Suter, 62, is charged in connection with the death of toddler Geo Mounsef, who was dining at Ric’s Grill with his family when he was killed Sunday night. Suter is charged with several counts of impaired-driving related charges.

Under the watch of heavy security, Provincial Court Judge Janet Dixon read her decision.

The mother of the young boy then stormed out of the courtroom, followed by dozens of supporters, and finally the boy’s father who yelled expletives at Suter, who appeared by closed-circuit television from the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Outside court, Sage Morin said the community was “disappointed” by the decision.

“The fact this man goes home to the comforts of his home while my son lies cold in a funeral home is apparently what’s called justice in this country,” she said.

“Our family is deeply moved by the support and sympathy of the Edmonton community and beyond. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.”

Family members of Morin, who is Cree, performed a song, their voices and the sound of a drum carrying across the courthouse courtyard.

“We were singing in memory of Geo, because that was his favourite thing to do. We were singing for his journey home and healing,” Megan Morin said.

Defence lawyer Dino Bottos said he will argue his client was not impaired the night Geo was killed.

“I’ve reviewed the disclosure that’s been presented to me … and there will be a strong challenge to the allegation my client was impaired. I suggest this was a mistake and the real issue at trial will be, is this a mistake of a criminal nature or of a civil nature,” he told reporters after court.

Police have alleged Suter got into his SUV that was parked in front of the Ric’s Grill on 23rd Avenue and instead of reversing his vehicle, put it into drive.

The SUV crashed through the glass partition of the restaurant’s patio, pinning the twoyear-old boy. The collision also injured the boy’s father and younger brother.

Bottos called his client a “stand up gentleman” who is a father and grandfather. He said Suter is “grief-stricken” by the death.

“I’m sure he’s relieved,” Bottos said about the bail decision. “He’s very saddened by what’s happened here and he hasn’t begun to deal with this himself. Now he can at least go home and deal with this in slightly more comfortable surroundings.”

Suter, a bearded man wearing orange Remand coveralls, showed no emotion when called a “disgrace to his family” by Geo’s father, along with several expletives.

Bottos said he was concerned about his client’s safety but would not elaborate on any caution Suter has been given.

A publication ban prohibits reporting evidence heard during the bail hearing and the judge’s reasons for releasing Suter.

During a bail hearing, a judge must consider whether a person is a risk to public safety or a flight risk. A judge must also consider whether granting bail would put the administration of justice into disrepute.