Two Additional Defendants Enter Guilty Pleas in Fatal Saskatoon Home Invasion
Two more individuals charged in connection with a deadly 2024 home invasion in Saskatoon have entered guilty pleas, following a third defendant's admission earlier this week that he was the shooter. This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident that claimed the life of 48-year-old Jason Horse.
Guilty Pleas Entered for Break and Enter Charges
On Wednesday, Robin John Stone, aged 36, and Randy Owen Brabant, aged 38, pleaded guilty in Saskatoon Court of King's Bench to breaking and entering with intent to commit an indictable offence. This charge relates directly to the home invasion that resulted in the fatal shooting of Jason Horse on February 17, 2024.
The Crown prosecutor's office made the decision to stay manslaughter charges against both Stone and Brabant, who had previously entered not guilty pleas to those more serious allegations. This legal maneuver allows the prosecution to potentially reinstate the charges in the future, though it typically indicates a strategic focus on the admitted offences.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The case stems from a violent home invasion that occurred on Avenue I South in Saskatoon. Earlier this week, Tyrone Frances Nepoose pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a nine-year prison sentence for his role in the incident. Court proceedings revealed that Nepoose forced his way into the residence armed with a double-barrel shotgun.
According to the agreed statement of facts presented in court, Nepoose entered a bedroom where Jason Horse and his partner were sleeping and attempted to rob them at gunpoint. During this confrontation, the firearm "discharged accidentally," resulting in Horse sustaining a fatal gunshot wound.
Roles and Sentencing of the Accomplices
Crown prosecutor Christy Pannell detailed how Stone and Brabant accompanied Nepoose during the forced entry into the home. Court testimony indicated that Brabant was observed "pacing" between rooms on the main floor of the house, while Stone actively worked to prevent occupants from leaving the premises.
Justice Heather MacMillan-Brown of the Saskatoon Court of King's Bench accepted a joint sentencing submission from both the Crown and defence counsel. This agreement resulted in a five-year sentence for Stone and a three-and-a-half-year sentence for Brabant. The differing roles played by the two men during the home invasion directly influenced this sentencing disparity.
With credit applied for time already served in remand custody, Stone has just under two years remaining on his sentence, while Brabant has approximately six months left to serve.
Motivations and Circumstances Revealed
The agreed statement of facts indicated that Nepoose targeted the residence because he believed someone living there had been causing trouble for Stone. However, in a statement provided to police investigators, Brabant claimed he thought they were visiting the home to retrieve Nepoose's bicycle and stated he was unaware that anyone possessed a firearm.
Notably, the court documents contained no indication that Jason Horse was specifically targeted during the home invasion. Defence lawyers for both Stone and Brabant informed the court that their clients were experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance abuse at the time of the incident.
Victim Impact and Courtroom Responses
The court proceedings included two victim impact statements, one of which was submitted by Horse's brother, Roderick. In his emotional statement, Roderick described his younger brother as having "a kindness for his people who were living on the street" and someone who genuinely "cared for his people."
Roderick's statement included a direct appeal to both Stone and Brabant, urging them to "use their time in custody to make positive changes going forward" and to "be real men for the rest of your lives."
During the sentencing hearing, Stone displayed no visible emotion and declined the opportunity to address the court. In contrast, Brabant appeared to become tearful while listening to the victim impact statement and offered an apology for his involvement in the tragic events.
This case continues to highlight the devastating consequences of home invasions and the complex legal proceedings that follow such violent incidents in Saskatchewan's judicial system.
