Etienne Jacobish to spend at least 12 years in prison for Natuashish murder

Etienne Jacobish of Natuashish has been given a life sentence in prison with no possibility of parole for 12 years for the second-degree murder of Charlie Rich.

Justice Stacy Ryan handed down the sentence in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Supreme Court on Friday. Jacobish will also face a lifetime weapons prohibition and is subject to a DNA order.

A second-degree murder conviction automatically carries a life sentence, and Crown and defence lawyers jointly recommended Jacobish serve 12 years before being considered for parole.

On Jan. 3, 2021, Jacobish shot Rich, in the head, neck and back in broad daylight, in the middle of the afternoon. Rich was shot in the street, less than 15 metres from Jacobish's residence. Shortly after the shooting, Rich was taken by an RCMP constable to the community clinic, where he was later declared dead.

The two Innu men knew each other and both lived in Natuashish. Rich was 39 years old at his time of death and a father of two children.

Ryan said there was "no apparent reason" for the crime. Jacobish suspected Rich of stealing from his home, but according to the agreed statement of facts read by Crown attorney Brandon Gillespie on Wednesday, neither Jacobish nor his property were in danger at the time of the shooting.

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'Aggravating' criminal record

Ryan described Jacobish's criminal record as "aggravating." He has prior firearms offences and at the time of the shooting, was under a firearms prohibition.

"It is logical to conclude that if Etienne Jacobish should possess firearms in the future, it would make for a dangerous situation," she said.

But Ryan said Jacobish's attitude has been a mitigating factor. He turned himself in to the police moments after the shooting, he assisted the police in locating the weapon and asked the police to lock him up. Ryan said Jacobish has also shown remorse since the incident occurred.

Jacobish wrote an apology letter in which he "states his sorrow for the family's grief, his regret for his actions and his request for Mr Rich's family's forgiveness," Ryan said.

Mary Agathe Rich, Charlie Rich's sister, filed a victim impact statement in which she wrote of the loss of work and sleep she has experienced, thinking about what happened to her brother, said Ryan.

"I would like to say to Mary Agathe Rich, that I understand no sentence handed down today will take away the grief you and your family must be feeling at the loss of your brother. I am hopeful that after today, all parties can begin to move forward and heal," said Ryan.

Ryan agreed with the Crown's description of the crime as "brazen," occurring in daylight hours with no consideration for bystanders.

Ryan said she also took into account Jacobish's Gladue report from 2014. The report, while "dated," said Ryan, was helpful, adding it was clear that the Crown and defence took the report into consideration when suggesting the 12-year parole ineligibility.

A Gladue report presents the circumstances of a self-identified Indigenous person's life for a judge to consider while deciding on a sentence. The report can include personal and community histories and traumas.



"Alcohol abuse, domestic violence and criminal activity had a significant presence in Etienne Jacobish's childhood.… His life experience involves the presence of significant trauma, both personal and intergenerational," said Ryan, before addressing Jacobish, who has Innu and Inuit heritage, directly.

"Etienne Jacobish, you have committed a terrible act. You took the life of another human being and you did so for no apparent reason. You've experienced a difficult life so far; however, all is not lost — you are in the unique position of being a part of two beautiful and meaningful cultures," said Ryan.

Ryan said she hopes Jacobish serves his time with purpose, connecting or reconnecting with his culture, and encouraged him to participate in any counselling offered.

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