Clayton Bo Eichler. Photo by Manfred Joehnck.
It was a day of surprises at Regina’s Court of Queen’s Bench, with the accused entering guilty pleas after new charges were read to him.
35-year-old Clayton Bo Eichler was set to stand trial on two counts of first-degree murder, instead he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges.
Fifteen witnesses were lined up and proceedings were set to begin at 10:00 am. It was then learned Eichler was in hospital and the case was adjourned. A half an hour later, he was transported to court and escorted into court by two RCMP officers. He covered his face with his shirt to avoid cameras.
Inside he stood and without emotion and pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. The mother of one of the victims, Maxine Goforth, sobbed quietly as the proceedings resumed.
Prosecutor Bill Burge laid out a brief history of the Crown’s case. He says 21-year-old Kelly Goforth was strangled to death. Her body was then placed in a hockey bag and thrown in a dumpster in east Regina. Police determined the hockey bag was recently purchased at Canadian Tire and traced that purchase back to Eichler.
Over the course of the investigation, they seized his cell phone, computer and found images of the second victim, 23-year-old Richele Bear. The photos showed she was dead and had ligature marks around her neck.
The pictures also showed Eichler committing indignities to her body. Her remains have never been found. Both the prosecution and defense are recommending Eichler be sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 20 years.
Prosecutor Bill Burge says justice was served.
“Well, he is going to be sentenced to a life sentence for two murders, his parole eligibility will be fixed by the court, his actual parole, if he ever receives it, will be determined by the parole board, he said. “Yes — we are satisfied that justice took place here today.”
Eichler’s lawyer, Morris Bodnar, was also satisfied. He says his client did not get off lightly.
“It’s a life sentence either way,” he said. “All it says is that he has the right to apply for parole eligibility sooner than he would have on first degree — that’s not pleading down. His behavior in jail and his assessments in jail will determine parole eligibility.”
The mother of Kelly Goforth, Maxine, has been at every good appearance since Eichler was arrested on December 31st, 2013. She is relieved the legal process is finally over.
Victim impact statements will be heard Tuesday morning.
Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence, with no chance of parole for 10 years. First- degree murder carries a life term, with no parole for at least 25 years.