Second-degree murder, manslaughter convictions in John O’Keefe murder
Posted April 1, 2010 3:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Two men charged with killing an innocent bystander outside a Toronto strip club have been convicted.
Edward Paredes, 24, was found guilty of second-degree murder, while Awet Zekarias, 25, was found guilty of manslaughter.
“While our family is relieved that the trial is over, all of our lives are changed forever,” O’Keefe’s family said in a statement. “It is still hard for us to believe that our peace-loving and friendly son John would suffer such a violent death.”
O’Keefe, a 42-year-old father, was hit by a stray bullet as he walked into a dispute between the accused and bouncers outside the Brass Rail tavern on Yonge Street, on Jan. 12, 2008. He died from a single bullet wound to the head.
The jury had some questions for the court on Wednesday, including a request to review the testimony of the manager at the Brass Rail who kicked the two accused out of the strip club.
The Crown has accused Zekarias of urging Paredes to fire the gun. Zakarias, however, has denied he wanted anything other than to scare the bouncers.
And even though Paredes has admitted to pulling the trigger, he testified it was only to intimidate the bouncers.
“I blame myself for Mr. O’Keefe’s death,” Paredes had testified.
The Crown refused to accept his plea of guilty to manslaughter.
