Killer gets 12 years for shooting death of Joedin Leger in Moncton
Riley Phillips, 21, had been found guilty of second-degree murder in April 2022 death
A Moncton man who shot and killed an 18-year-old three years ago was sentenced Thursday to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.
Riley Phillips, 21, was found guilty by a jury last fall of the second-degree murder of Joedin Leger on April 25, 2022, in Moncton.
Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence. That left Court of King's Bench Justice Robert Dysart to decide how long Phillips should serve before becoming eligible for parole.
The Crown sought 12 years, while the defence asked for the minimum of 10 years, which is the period the jury had recommended after finding Phillips guilty.
The Crown alleged the killing happened in the context of a home invasion and robbery attempt, while the defence alleged Phillips went there over a dispute between Phillips's cousin, Hunter England, and Leger.
Dysart said there was evidence to support the Crown's position, calling Phillips's own testimony illogical, incredible and defying common sense.
"In my view, the circumstances of this case, as well as the character of the offender, are a serious aggravating factor," he said.
"Mr. Phillips seems to have agreed to participate in a brazen, armed home-invasion robbery without hesitation.
"He wore a motorcycle helmet to conceal his identity and he carried a loaded .38 calibre revolver. That is concerning to this court and suggests a heightened level of dangerousness."
The parole eligibility period starts when Phillips was arrested in June 2022, Dysart said.
Brian Munro, a lawyer representing Phillips, told reporters an appeal will be filed, saying he wouldn't be surprised if the appeal results in a new trial being ordered.
Phillips was given the chance to address the court Thursday before the judge read his decision.
"Nah, I'm good," Phillips said. He showed little reaction as the judge read the decision. Phillips wore a Scarface movie T-shirt and jacket during the hearing.
Crown prosecutor Stephen Holt declined to comment Thursday.
Testimony during the trial laid out that Phillips was one of six people who went to Leger's Logan Lane duplex that morning.
England and his brother Jerek remained in a car parked near the home. Phillips, Hayden LeBlanc, Nicholas McAvoy and a person who was under 18 and cannot be named went up to the house.
The youth was the Crown's key witness during the trial, testifying that the plan was to rob Leger and that Phillips was aware of the plan and was handed the loaded gun en route.
The youth testified that while the group of four were outside Leger's home, he heard Phillips go inside — followed seconds later by a series of gunshots. Phillips was the only person who went inside.
The youth testified Phillips ran outside, saying Leger had shot him but that he had shot Leger four times.
Testifying in his own defence, Phillips said he was asked to go to Leger's home to sort out a dispute between Hunter England and Leger over broken windows. He said he wore the clothing and helmet to hide his identity so Leger didn't retaliate.
Phillips testified that inside the home, Leger reached for a gun and shot first, so he returned fire.
A neighbour's surveillance camera captured the group walking toward Leger's home, the sound of two shots almost at the same time, then three more, and then shows the group running back to the waiting car and leaving. Another driver gave the vehicle's plate number to police.
The judge said that while the jury found Phillips guilty and rejected his self-defence argument, it wasn't known what they determined about whether they believed it was a robbery.
He found there was evidence to support the youth's testimony and rejected Phillips version.
Dysart said the crime had a profound impact on Leger's family and the wider community.
As he concluded his decision, Dysart addressed Leger's family members in court, saying he hoped the process helped bring them some closure.
"I wish to express my sympathy for your loss. No sentence imposed by this court can bring back your loved one," the judge said.
Phillips was the fifth person sentenced in connection with Leger's death. The youth, LeBlanc, McAvoy and Hunter England pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jerek England is scheduled to stand trial next year.
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