An Alberta man will spend the next 14 years in prison following a shocking knife attack that claimed the life of a St. Albert teenager in May 2024.
Keith James Landry, 42, received the sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of 15-year-old Broden Radomske. The attack occurred on the evening of May 21, 2024, near a green space by 184th Street and 137th Avenue in Edmonton. Landry will serve just over 11 years after receiving credit for time already served.
A Tragedy That 'Cannot Be Undone'
According to agreed facts presented in court, Landry approached the teenager from behind while on a walk with Radomske, the boy's mother, and his brother. In a single motion, Landry slashed the teen's throat. Broden died at the scene within minutes from blood loss.
Justice Susan Richardson stated during sentencing that the guilty plea does not diminish the gravity of Landry's actions, and that no sentence can equal the loss suffered by the family.
Landry must also provide a DNA sample and is subject to a lifetime weapons ban. He is prohibited from contacting or communicating with Radomske's family members or a key witness for the duration of his sentence.
Family's Frustration with Manslaughter Charge
Broden's mother, Cherie Moran, voiced her disappointment with the manslaughter conviction rather than a second-degree murder charge, which Landry was initially charged with.
"I'm unhappy that it's a manslaughter charge, because there is intent there," Moran told reporters after victim impact statements were read in the packed Edmonton courtroom. "When you slice a child's throat, you don't expect that they're going to live."
Fifteen victim impact statements were delivered during the sentencing hearing, with emotions running high as family members and friends detailed the lasting trauma caused by the tragedy.
Substance Use and Mental Health Factors Cited
A forensic toxicology report found alcohol, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Landry's system at the time of the attack, though the timing and method of consumption could not be determined.
Defence and Crown lawyers submitted jointly that the attack was "tragic" and cited several mitigating factors, including Landry's guilty plea, personal circumstances, Gladue factors, and ongoing mental health challenges. However, aggravating factors—including the victim's age, the use of a weapon, the brutal and unprovoked nature of the assault, the number of people affected, and Landry's prior criminal record—weighed heavily in the sentencing decision.
The sentence falls within the higher range for manslaughter convictions in Alberta.
This story is based on reporting from CBC Edmonton. For the full original coverage, visit the CBC News website.