THUNDER BAY - The death of 31-year-old Kevin Roundhead has left his family and community with a profound sense of loss and a judge is urging the man responsible for his death to continue to seek forgiveness.
“You need to continue to reflect on this entire process,” said Justice Dino DiGiuseppe. “You heard the anguish and despair in the words of Kevin Roundhead’s family. You can help them with their healing.”
Skylar Masakeyash, 23, of Misgkeegogamang First Nation was sentenced to two years less a day and three years probation in a Thunder Bay Courtroom on Tuesday after pleading guilty to manslaughter for his role in the 2017 death of Roundhead.
Masakeyash was credited with 32 months for 21 months and 10 days of pre-sentence custody.
“I am mindful that no sentence I impose can resurrect Kevin Roundhead or repair the visible harm his loss has had,” DiGuiseppe said.
Roundhead, also from Misgkeegogamang First Nation, was found unresponsive under a North Cumberland Street bridge at McVicar Creek on the afternoon of July 5, 2017.
The court heard that an argument had erupted between the two men while intoxicated, which escalated into a fight. Roundhead was severely beaten and transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Masakeyash was arrested on July 7 and initially charged with second-degree murder.
Emma Masakeyash and Jessie Chapais were also arrested and charged with second-degree murder, however, charges against Chapais were withdrawn last May, and Emma Masakeyash, Skylar’s mother, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of accessory after the fact.
Emma Masakeyash was released after the Crown and defense agreed that no further time in custody was required after crediting her with 411 days in pre-sentence custody.
Crown prosecutor, Rob Kozak, and defense attorney, John DeBakker, provided the court with a joint submission for sentencing. DiGiuseppe said he took several factors into consideration when determining the sentence, including Masakeyash’s background and early life, which included alcohol abuse and violence.
He also credited Masakeyash for taking responsibility for his actions and expressing remorse for his role in Roundhead’s death.
DeBakker said the sentence imposed on Masakeyash is appropriate because it allows for the maximum period of community supervision after his release.
“It allows him to be put on probation for a period of three years,” he said. “If he was incarcerated for a period longer than that, the community would be limited in how Mr. Masakeyash would be supervised upon his released.”
In addition to three years probation, Masakeyash is also subject to a DNA order and a firearms prohibition for 10 years.
DiGiuseppe urged Masakeyash to take advantage of counselling services while in custody to help him once he is released.
“Ultimately he will be released back into his community,” DeBakker said. “It is important he receives the rehabilitation he requires so that community can be confident that it’s going to be safe upon his release.”
During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, the court heard 17 victim impact statements. Family of Roundhead expressed anger over his loss.
“I don’t want to kid myself, I have a lot of anger, hatred, and rage,” said a cousin of Roundhead.
“I can’t lie and say I forgive you, but I’ll work on that,” another family member said.
DeBakker said Masakeyash has always been open to helping the family of Roundhead heal, which he said was evident by the sentencing hearing taking place in the Indigenous People’s Court at the Thunder Bay Courthouse.
“It gives everyone in the family and the community an opportunity to speak,” he said. “Mr. Masakeyash had a chance to do that and he did. He spoke to Mr. Roundhead’s family directly and expressed remorse for what happened.”
Masakeyash was also sentenced to 30 days for two unrelated charges of obstructing a police officer and breach of bail conditions, which is to be served concurrently.
