Pubdate: Sun, 29 May 2011
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/people/Kim+Walker

STIFF JAIL TERM SOUGHT FOR FATHER WHO KILLED DAUGHTER'S DRUG DEALER

Prosecutors are calling for a lengthy prison term for a Saskatchewan 
father who shot to death his teenage daughter's drug-dealing 
boyfriend, while Kim Walker's lawyer says he should not spend another 
day behind bars.

Court of Queen's Bench Justice Ellen Gunn Gunn heard sentencing 
submissions Friday in the case -a day after Walker was convicted of 
manslaughter. Gunn is expected to sentence him July 13.

Walker was on trial for seconddegree murder in the March 17, 2003, 
shooting death of 24-yearold James Hayward.

Armed with a semi-automatic pistol, Walker went to Hayward's home 
here to retrieve his 16-year-old daughter Jadah, then a morphine 
addict living with Hayward. Walker believed Hayward was supplying her 
with drugs.

He fired 10 shots, hitting Hayward five times.

Walker told the jury he doesn't remember the shooting but believes he 
acted in self-defence, firing on an unarmed Hayward when he raised his arm.

The jury's verdict sparked debates on radio talk shows and online 
Friday, with many observers saying Walker was justified in shooting 
the man who supplied drugs to his daughter.

Prosecutor Robin Ritter said he finds that talk troubling, noting 
everyone is entitled to the protection of the law.

"For people to say that Mr. Hayward, because he might have been a bad 
person, is not entitled to the full protection of the law, scares 
me," Ritter said outside court.

He called for an 11-year prison term, less the time Walker has 
already served, bringing it to about 7 1/2 years. Because a gun was 
involved, the law mandates at least a four-year prison term.

Speaking to reporters, Jadah called the sentence sought by the 
prosecution "a joke."

Defence lawyer Balfour Der, who had hoped the jury would acquit 
Walker, contended he has already served sufficient time. Previously 
convicted of seconddegree murder before he won an appeal and a new 
trial, Walker has served about 3 1/2 years.
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