Dennis Okeymow Convicted on 10 Counts in Edmonton Gun Case
dennis okeymow was convicted Tuesday at the Edmonton law courts of manslaughter and other offences tied to a semi-automatic rifle he sold to 16-year-old Roman Shewchuk. Justice John Little said that while Okeymow did not pull the trigger, by selling the rifle to the teenager, “the young man knew or should have known something terrible could result.”
Edmonton Law Courts Verdict
The verdict covered 10 crimes, including 3 counts of manslaughter, 3 counts of criminal negligence with a firearm causing death and 2 counts of criminal negligence with a firearm causing bodily harm. Okeymow was also found guilty of causing bodily harm to Shewchuk’s mother, Kateryna Shewchuk, and pizza delivery driver Rich Albert.
He had faced 17 offences in connection with the March 2023 deaths of Edmonton police constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan and the teen shooter. Alberta Crown Prosecution called the ruling “a significant decision by the court.”
Roman Shewchuk Gun Sale
According to the facts presented in court, Okeymow sold Roman Shewchuk a STG 44 firearm and 80 rounds of ammunition for $2,500 in early 2023. The combined retail value of the gun and ammunition was $650, and police determined the firearm had changed hands several times after it was purchased legally at Cabela’s in 2016.
Okeymow and Shewchuk met in the summer of 2021, when they were both teenagers. Their relationship was based on buying and selling drugs, primarily marijuana but also occasionally psilocybin and cocaine. Okeymow previously pleaded guilty to 7 other charges, mostly related to drugs and his work as a dial-a-dope dealer.
March 12, 2023 Shooting
The first shooting happened in the early morning hours of March 12, 2023, at a Pizza Hut To Go near 133 Street and 114 Avenue by Westmount Mall. The semi-automatic gun was not illegal at the time, but it has since been banned in Canada. The court also heard there was no evidence Okeymow gave Shewchuk safety equipment for storage or transport, or ear or eye protection.
Alberta Crown Prosecution said, “As the matter remains before the court for sentencing, no further comment can be made at this time.”
