Security guard gets bail in manslaughter case

A strip mall security guard accused of beating and robbing a 51-yearold man who died of abdominal injuries was granted bail on Tuesday.

Sheldon Russell Bentley, 36, is charged with manslaughter and robbery in connection to the death of Donald Doucette.

Doucette was found clinging to life in the alley behind the Lucky 97 store near 107A Avenue and 96 Street about 4:45 p.m. on July 31, 2016. Officers were called to respond, but Doucette died at the scene, police said at the time.

Though his death was not initially considered suspicious, an autopsy later confirmed Doucette died of blunt abdominal trauma.

Bentley, who worked as a private security guard at the strip mall that included the Lucky 97 store, was arrested days later. Homicide detectives also confirmed they were reviewing security footage from nearby businesses.

Doucette was described by police as a “user of community services.”

His daughter attended the hearing Tuesday.

A publication ban was ordered on Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Kevin Feehan’s reasons for the decision, preventing publication of the conditions of Bentley’s release.

Bentley has been in custody since his arrest, and was denied bail following a hearing in September.