Trevor Cook leaves court on Thursday after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Photo courtesy Curtis Brown,
A sentence has yet to be delivered to a Prince Albert man’s killer, but the victim’s family is already frustrated by the legal system.
Cory Brown, 43, was killed in the fall of 2014, and his body was found in a West Flat home. In the following weeks Trevor Cook was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
On Thursday, Cook pleaded guilty to the downgraded charge of manslaughter in Brown’s death.
That was a downgrade from his charged of second-degree murder.
Cory’s brother Curtis is upset with the lesser plea, saying the prosecution had given his family hopes for a murder conviction.
“We were told right from the get-go that they had him hook, line, and sinker on second-degree murder. That’s what we were told,” Curtis said.
He said he is upset that this will mean a lesser sentence for Cook.
“It’s just sickening that our justice system will allow something like that to be turned down to a lesser charge,” he said.
Cory’s family has been vocal and emotional throughout each of Cook’s court appearances.
That was no different when they found out there will be no trial, and that Cook will be sentenced for something less serious.
Curtis is left with questions on the police follow-up on Cory’s case.
They’ve kept their focus on their deceased family member by wearing hats and shirts representing Brown’s favourite team, the Dallas Cowboys, and wearing necklaces Cory’s memory. Cory was a member of the Ochapowace First Nation.
With Cook’s plea now entered, it will be a few months until sentencing.