Saskatoon Man Awaits Sentencing Decision in Fatal Assault Case
A Saskatoon provincial court judge has reserved decision on sentencing for Timothy Smith, who was convicted of manslaughter this past January for an assault that led to the death of 37-year-old Landon Waddell in November 2024.
Emotional Victim Impact Statements Heard in Court
During Wednesday's sentencing hearing, family members of the victim delivered powerful statements about their loss. Jessie Heidt, the mother of Waddell's 15-year-old daughter, described how their special needs daughter sometimes wears her father's old work clothes to feel close to him and asks if she can "go to heaven and visit my dad."
Heidt told the court that since Waddell's death, she has struggled to afford childcare and has been forced to rely on family support to care for her daughter while she works. "Without the family I have, I don't know where we'd be," she said.
Waddell's mother, Maxine St. Germaine, revealed she had to use retirement savings to pay for her son's funeral and grave expenses.
Details of the Fatal Confrontation
The court heard that on November 17, 2024, Smith, 46, confronted Waddell at the victim's home in the 400 block of 26th Street West. The altercation began when Smith accused Waddell of stealing a pair of "knuckle busters" and attempted to take Waddell's watch.
During the confrontation, Smith, who was sober, punched Waddell, who was intoxicated, knocking him to the ground. The assault included multiple acts, with evidence presented that Smith stomped on the victim. Waddell suffered a concussion that, combined with a high blood-alcohol level, led to his death.
Judge Inez Cardinal rejected Smith's claims of self-defence during the trial, leading to the manslaughter conviction.
Contrasting Sentencing Recommendations
Crown prosecutor Leslie Dunning asked the court to impose a seven-year prison sentence, describing both the gravity of the crime and Smith's moral culpability as "high." Dunning emphasized that "this was a pure act of aggression" and highlighted how Smith initially lied to police, claiming Waddell had been attacked by unknown people during a home invasion.
Defence lawyer Brady Knight requested a sentence of three and a half years, arguing that the assault lasted only seconds and should be considered a mitigating factor. "This was not something that occurred over any significant amount of time," Knight told the court. He also noted that Smith waited for police to arrive and no weapons were used.
Defendant's Response and Courtroom Observations
While family members read their impact statements, Smith, who is in custody, sat in the prisoner's box mostly looking down. At one point, he appeared to wipe away tears. When offered the chance to speak, Smith stood and offered an apology to Waddell's family, saying he often thinks about what happened the night Waddell died and that it weighs on him.
The judge has reserved the sentencing decision, with both the prosecution and defense having presented their final arguments in this tragic case that has left a family grieving and a community awaiting justice.
