In sentencing Shane Grenier's killer, the judiciary says the case illustrated the damage caused by drug trafficking

The Hamilton man who shot and killed Shane Grenier in 2022 was sentenced to five and a half years in prison. The judge called the case a “stark example of the dangers of drug trafficking.”

“Our community is ravaged by the devastating effects of drug addiction and drug trafficking,” Ontario Court Judge Joe Fiorucci said on Sept. 5 as he sentenced Owen Silverthorne for manslaughter.

Silverthorne, 23, who pleaded guilty, will spend about two and a half years in prison. At the sentencing, Fiorucci gave Silverthorne credit for the time he has already spent behind bars since his arrest and for the “harsh” conditions he has endured while incarcerated.

Silverthorne's defence lawyer told the court that while incarcerated at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, Silverthorne slept on the floor many nights and was in total or partial isolation for over 100 days.

Before Silverthorne's sentencing hearing, the prosecution and defense agreed on a proposed sentence, which the judge accepted.

The parties agreed that Silverthorne and Grenier met for a drug deal on March 6, 2022. Grenier planned to rob Silverthorne with a realistic-looking air rifle, and that led to a fight. Silverthorne shot Grenier in the neck and pushed him out of the car, leaving him dying on the road.

The court heard that Silverthorne reported his car to police that it had been stolen, but in fact burned it to destroy evidence, and disposed of his and Grenier's phones and his gun.

Family members say father's death has caused lasting pain

Three of Grenier's family members read victim statements at the verdict. Jennifer Coto, Grenier's partner of 11 years and mother of their two daughters, described the day Grenier died as the worst day of her life.

He was her “best friend,” she said, and “addiction, drugs and gun violence took his life at the age of 39.”

Coto said her children's mental health has suffered.

Her eldest daughter, Shayla Grenier, told the court: “I know my father had some problems,” but he was “full of love and laughter” and “did his best” to get help for his addiction.

She said if she had known she would never see him again, she would have spent more time hugging him and watching her favorite shows.

Grenier's aunt says the man who killed her nephew can change his life

Nancy Grenier, Shane's aunt, said he was “more like a son to me” than a nephew and she will remember his sense of humor.

“I don't want Shane to be judged for his problems,” she said, adding that mental illness is complex and that without the right support, some people turn to drugs.

Grenier said her nephew “fell and got up many times.”

“The way Shane was thrown away like a piece of trash [whose] There was nothing particularly hideous in life,” Grenier said.

She also said Silverthorne is young and can turn his life around. “I hope he takes this chance and realizes that life can be good, that he will make better choices in the future and choose a life where he doesn't feel the need to carry an illegal firearm or distribute drugs. Nothing good comes from that lifestyle.”

“Shane doesn't have the opportunity to turn his life around, but Mr. Silverthorne does,” she said.

Assistant District Attorney Bruce Sosa acknowledged that if Silverthorne had not pleaded guilty, he might have been able to argue that he acted in self-defense.

Fiorucci said Silverthorne, who also spoke at the sentencing, showed remorse.

“I would like to apologize to the Grenier family for the traumatic experience and tragedy I have caused,” Silverthorne said.

He also apologized to his own family for the stress he had caused them.

“I will use the remaining time of my imprisonment to improve myself as a person,” he said.

Justice believes Silverthorne can be rehabilitated

The court heard that Silverthorne has previous convictions as a juvenile and as an adult, including for a robbery in 2019.

His lawyer said he left school in 9th grade and intends to graduate while in prison.

At the end of the verdict, Fiorucci thanked Grenier’s family for their commitment and “grace.”

He said he believed Silverthorne could be rehabilitated and wished him good luck.