BATTLEFORD – Two people charged in the death of 22-year-old Quin Squair from Wilkie were sentenced at the Court of King's Bench in Battleford on Sept. 5.
Alex Gopher, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was sentenced to 2,730 days or 7.5 years in prison. Less enhanced credit for time served, he has 1,437 days or about three years and 11 months left to serve.
Riley Gopher, who pleaded guilty to break and enter and assault causing bodily harm, was sentenced to 1,644 days or 4.5 years in prison. Less enhanced credit for time served he has 342 days or about 11.4 months left to serve.
According to the RCMP, Battlefords RCMP found Squair with serious injuries at a home on Saulteaux First Nation after getting a call about an assault on April 18, 2023. Officers provided first aid and called for assistance from local EMS. On April 19, 2023, police were told that Squair wouldn’t survive his injuries and RCMP Major Crimes took over the investigation.
A publication ban is in effect until all of the accused individuals have gone through the court system.
Another accused, Colton Swiftwolfe, facing a second-degree murder charge, is scheduled to stand trial at the Court of King's Bench in Battleford starting Sept. 15.
Another accused, Wionna Katcheech, facing a manslaughter charge, is wanted on a warrant.
A youth in the case has already gone through the court system.
Mellissa Squair, the mother of Quin Squair, held pictures of her son as she left the courthouse after the sentencing.
"I'm very upset that they got such little time when I have to live the rest of my life without my son," she told SaskToday.
Mellissa said Quin is missed deeply by the family. She described Quin as a beautiful person who meant so much to everyone he met.
"He would light up the room," Mellissa said. "He was very charming. He had dimples and a big smile."
She said Quin started working when he was just 14 years old and had a baby when he was 15.
"He worked really, really hard," Mellissa said.
At the age of 19, he was the youngest crew leadman working on building grain bins.
"I still have people of all ages who reach out to me to say how much they miss him," Mellissa said. "They'll be doing the job and they think about him. And they have to kind of laugh because it's always a funny memory they have of him."
Mellissa said Quin was also a great father to his son.
"He would spend all of his days off with his little boy," she said.
