A high-profile court case tied to the fatal 2023 shooting of two Edmonton police officers has reached a critical stage, with the defence arguing that the accused is being unfairly blamed in a broader attempt to expand criminal liability for gun violence.
During closing arguments, lawyers for 21-year-old Dennis Okeymow told the court their client is being used as a “scapegoat” for a tragedy carried out by a teenage gunman. The case centres on whether Okeymow should be held criminally responsible for selling the firearm used in the killings of Constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, who were shot while responding to a domestic violence call in March 2023.
Okeymow has pleaded not guilty to three counts of manslaughter related to the deaths, though he has admitted to weapons and drug trafficking charges. The Crown argues that by selling a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition to a minor—who was legally barred from purchasing firearms—Okeymow bears responsibility for the foreseeable consequences of that act.
Prosecutors emphasized that the accused engaged in repeated interactions with the teen, including hundreds of text messages and multiple in-person meetings, ultimately selling the weapon at a significantly inflated price. They contend that even without full knowledge of the teen’s mental health condition, the risk of harm should have been clear.
The defence, however, pushed back strongly, arguing there is no evidence their client was aware of the teen’s mental illness or violent tendencies. They maintain the shooter acted independently, describing the violence as the result of his own “psychotic decision-making.” The defence also warned against using the case to set a legal precedent, stating that any expansion of criminal liability should be determined by Parliament, not through the courts.
The presiding judge has reserved their decision, with a verdict expected at a later date. The outcome could have significant implications for how Canadian courts interpret responsibility in cases involving illegal firearm sales and downstream acts of violence.
