Jordan Herron escorted from court. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski.
EDITOR’S NOTE: While Herron can apply for parole after serving 11 years, it’s up to the Parole Board to decide whether or not to grant it.
One of the two men convicted of murdering Prince Albert teen Clayton James Bear has received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 11 years.
Jordan Herron’s sentencing came on Thursday, a day after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in the April, 2014 death of 17-year-old Bear.
A murder conviction means an automatic life sentence, with no parole eligibility for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years.
Defence lawyer Mary McAuley requested 10 years, while Crown prosecutor Jeff Lubyk had been asking for a range of 13 to 16 years. No victim impact statements were read, but Herron did address the victim’s family as he expressed remorse.
Justice J.D. Kalmakoff’s decision of 11 years parole ineligibility included consideration for letters provided by Herron’s family and the support they’ve given Herron in his past 29 months on electronic monitoring, McAuley said.
She said the letters express the offence does not reflect “the Jordan they know,” who is not violent and is a hard worker. There were, however, concerns about additions.
Before that, Herron spent five months in custody, which was also taken into consideration.
Orren Johnson, 28, was the co-accused in this murder, and was found guilty of first-degree murder. His sentencing is set to take place on March 22.