Windsor Jury Delivers Manslaughter Verdict in Fatal Shooting Case
In a courtroom filled with raw emotion, Malique Calloo wept as a Windsor jury found him guilty of manslaughter for the 2022 shooting death of Daniel Squalls, while acquitting him of the more serious murder charge. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday afternoon, sparked anger from Squalls' family and friends, who shouted "You're not making it out of here!" as they left the Superior Court of Justice building.
A Tragic Case with Complex Circumstances
Calloo's lawyer, Adam Weisberg, described the situation as "just a really tragic case" to reporters following the verdict. "Mr. Squalls is no longer with us because of the killing, and he has a family that's obviously grieving, so it's the kind of case where it's just a tragedy all around," Weisberg stated.
The shooting occurred on November 28, 2022, outside Squalls' home in the 800 block of Hanna Street East, near a daycare. During the trial, Calloo testified that moments before the shooting, Squalls had taunted him about plans to move to the United States with Calloo's daughter and the girl's mother.
Defense Argued 'Heat of Passion'
Weisberg argued there had been longstanding bad blood between the two men, both of whom shared young daughters with the same woman. The defense contended that Calloo acted "in the heat of passion" after learning that morning about the relocation plan that he feared would "completely cut him out of his daughter's life" and make Squalls the sole father figure.
"Mr. Calloo testified that he was provoked," Weisberg explained. "The jury, in my opinion, likely accepted that in reaching the manslaughter verdict."
Prosecution Emphasized Number of Shots Fired
The Crown presented a different perspective, with assistant Crown attorney George Spartinos highlighting in closing submissions that Squalls was unarmed when Calloo "shot at him 15 times. Not once or twice. He shot at him 15 times."
"Let's be clear — when Mr. Calloo shot Mr. Squalls, he meant to kill him," Spartinos told the court.
Mixed Emotions Following Verdict
Weisberg described his client's complex emotional state following the verdict: "Mr. Calloo is respectful and happy with the jury's verdict but at the same time carries a lot of remorse and regret over the loss of life of Daniel Squalls."
The jury began deliberations on Tuesday after hearing closing arguments and returned with their verdict the following day, presenting it to Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia. Calloo, now 30, remains in custody while awaiting sentencing on the manslaughter conviction, with a date to be set later this month.
Prosecutors declined to comment to reporters after the jury's decision was announced. The case has drawn significant attention in Windsor, particularly given Calloo's previous status as a fugitive on Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted List before his arrest on the murder warrant.
