Kelowna

Trevor Shannon showed no emotion as a guilty verdict was read.

The jury found Shannon guilty of the second degree murder of 18-year-old Evan Wilkes back in April of 2007.  Wilkes' family breathed a sign of relief when the verdict was read, Wilkes' father Shawn placed his head in his hands and let out a sob.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Shannon's mother refuses to speak with media and heads into the Court House

Shannon turned to nod at his mother who sat with a friend behind the prisoner box.

The sentence for second degree murder is, life in prison with no parole for a minimum 10 years to a maximum of 25 years. Supreme Court Justice Butler asked the jury to recommend a sentence for Shannon.  Eight jurors had no recommendation, while three others recommend between 10 and 15 years.

Both the Crown and the Defence were content with the mandatory minimum 10 years until Shannon could be eligible for parole.

In consideration of the jury's recommendations Justice Butler asked Shannon if he had anything to say to the court, Shannon's lawyer replied he did not.

Justice Butler stated he would be handing Shannon a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years. He explained that the reason for his sentence was that Wilkes was shot in the head at close range following an argument with Shannon, that Wilkes taunted Shannon believing the gun was not real leading to Shannon pulling the gun out and callously shooting Wilkes.

Justice Butler said Shannon was 22-years-old when the incident happened, he had an unhappy relationship with his father and began selling drugs at the age of 16, carrying a gun with him as protection. However, he believes Shannon is an intelligent young man, who has his grade 12 education, and because he was young when the offence occurred the Supreme Court Justice stated he thinks rehabilitation is possible.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Wilkes' supporters gather outside Court House

Addressing Wilkes family indirectly, Justice Butler said the crime was unnecessary, tragic and was a loss for the community.

Shannon must also provide a DNA sample and is forbidden from owning or carrying a firearm for the rest of his life.

The Kelowna resident has already spent five years in prison, his lawyer Brent Bagnall  told the media Shannon will be given some credit for the time he has served, although it is unclear if he will receive double time credit.

Bagnall says it's unclear if they will file for an appeal.

Wilkes' father and supporters refused to comment on the verdict or the sentencing.