Calvin Wade Laughlin was found guilty by a jury of aggravated assault and manslaughter.
The Court of Queen’s Bench trial of Calvin Wade Laughlin wrapped up on Wednesday morning. He is charged in the death of Neil McMaster who was found on a boulevard in Nacmine on May 2, 2011. He died on May 4 in a Calgary hospital.
The crown wrapped up its case last Friday. Laughlin, acting in his own defense, concluded his case on Wednesday. This was followed by final arguments from Laughlin and prosecutor Ron Pedersen. Justice JT McCarthy charged the eight women and four men jury to find a verdict. They returned that evening finding Laughlin guilty on all charges.
The case centered on events from May 1 to May 4 of 2011. The court heard from witnesses and heard statements made during the investigation.
Laughlin and McMaster were together much of May 1 and were reported to have been drinking. As the day turned to evening, they had supper in Laughlin’s yard in Nacmine. A conflict arose between the two men. A female who was with them left Laughlin’s home at about 10 p.m.
A neighbour testified to hearing an argument and what sounded like a physical fight.
After that, she testified to seeing Laughlin in an agitated state and swearing repeatedly over the next couple of hours. She also heard the victim groaning.
At about 3 a.m., the neighbour said she saw McMaster stumbling alongside a trailer. It took him about 20 minutes to walk just a few feet, before he got into the passenger seat of the truck.
At about 6 a.m., a passing neighbour, out having walk, discovered McMaster lying on a boulevard.
Testimony from medical examiner Dr. Bernard Bannach, concluded the death of McMaster was caused by blunt cranial trauma.
Laughlin was treated the next day for injuries to his hand. He said to the nurse that treated him “I think I hurt him pretty good.” He also indicated to investigators that his injuries were from a fight with McMaster.
Justice McCarthy reiterated Laughlin’s theory that someone else may have been in contact with McMaster. The defense’s theory also surmises that investigators had tunnel vision and did not investigate properly.
Laughlin, in his final statement, said his friend McMaster has never left his thoughts over the last four years and McMaster has touched every part of his life.
Sentencing for Laughlin is scheduled for April 29.
