April 21, 2019
Nathan Paul Gervais, charged with first-degree murder in the swarming death of Lukas Strasser-Hird, appeared in court for the final statements of his trial. Strasser-Hird was murdered outside of Vinyl nightclub, in November 2013 by a group of men after an altercation took place. Five of the men that allegedly attacked Strasser-Hird were charged and tried.
In a judge alone trial, Gervais appeared in court on Apr. 5, 2019, as crown prosecutor Ken McCaffery, and defense lawyer, Alain Hepner submitting their final arguments.
Strasser-Hird was 18 years old at the time of his death. He was swarmed, and attacked by a large group of men after two altercations took place at around 2:40 a.m., after a night out at Vinyl nightclub.
Strasser-Hird spoke up when he heard one of the accused men utter racist remarks to a bouncer, and was then pushed onto the road by one of the men. He was taken back inside the nightclub for safety, and brought through the back door, into the alley. Soon after, he was swarmed, stabbed, and beaten. He later died in the hospital because of injuries sustained from the attack.
Strasser-Hird had just returned from a year abroad in Bolivia, where he was visiting his sick grandfather, and studying.
Michael Onfroy, who was a close friend of Strasser-Hird said, “He was the greatest kid. He had such a bright future ahead of him, and had such an amazing heart. I hope we finally get a step closer to something we are supposed to call justice for Lukas.”
While stating his final argument, Crown prosecutor Ken McCaffery said “After the murder, Mr. Gervais admitted to six people he would let Cabrera (one of the co-accused) take the fall.”
Gervais’ defense attorney is arguing for a “not guilty” sentence, or a sentence of second-degree murder, or manslaughter, rather than first-degree murder.
Gervais was charged with first-degree murder in 2013, along with four other men, who were charged with second-degree. Franz Cabrera and Assmar Shlah, were convicted of second-degree murder, and Josh Pouk, was convicted with the lesser degree of manslaughter.
The fourth man, Jordan Liao, was acquitted and walked out of court a free man.
Gervais fled the country days before the trial while out on bail with 24-hour house arrest, and was found in Vietnam. He was deported from Vietnam and transferred back to Canada on Feb. 9, 2019.
A friend of Gervais who helped him illegally flee the country was given a two-year sentence.
Strasser-Hird’s step aunt said in a statement “Our whole family has been in such pain over this for almost six years. I’m relieved that this whole thing will soon be over and we can finally start grieving properly.”
After nearly 33 months since the last verdict was decided, the entire trial is almost coming to an end.
Justice Earl Wilson said, “I don’t wish to prolong this even further than it’s already been. There has been enough stress on the family. I will overview the evidence and statements made and get to my decision quickly.”
Justice Wilson will decide his verdict in Court of Queen’s Bench, on May 8, 2019.