Third person sentenced for role in dumping Megan Gallagher's body in river after her murder

A provincial court judge in Saskatoon has sentenced the last of three people who dumped murder victim Megan Gallagher's body in the South Saskatchewan River in September 2020.

On Wednesday, Judge Sanjeev Anand sentenced Ernest Whitehead, 42, to 739 days in jail for offering an indignity to human remains. After credit for his time on remand, Whitehead has just less than two years left to serve.

There are still another six people involved in Gallagher's murder who must appear in court. Four people have been charged with first-degree murder in her death, while two others face charges for aggravated assault and unlawful confinement 

"Megan, I love you and miss you," said Ingrid MacColl, Gallagher's biological mother.

That was the first sentence from the first victim impact statement read into the record in the packed courtroom. A second courtroom had to be opened to accommodate people who came for the sentencing.

Ten other people spoke for more than an hour, describing how the loss of the 30-year-old mother changed their lives.

They spoke about "a spunky young woman" and "amazing mother" who always put others above herself. They also highlighted how Gallagher was a skilled cook who showed her love for friends and family through food.

They all spoke directly to Whitehead about how his silence for two years added to the family's pain and suffering.

"Every single day for two years we died a little," said her step-mother, Deb Gallagher.

"You made us suffer while you walked around free."

Gallagher was last seen on Sept. 19, 2020, by her friend and then on surveillance footage the next day at a convenience store at about 6 a.m. CT.

The Métis woman's remains were found while Saskatoon police searched along the South Saskatchewan River near St. Louis in October 2022, about 105 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Police say DNA testing confirmed in November the remains were Gallagher's.

Gallagher's father, Brian, was the last of the 11 to speak on Wednesday.

"All I have today are memories," he said.