Toronto man pleads guilty to firearm charge in connection to fatal northern Ont. shooting from 2021
A Toronto man appeared in court in Timmins on Tuesday for a sentencing hearing that stems from a triple shooting incident that happened almost three years ago in Schumacher, Ont.
Jahrelle Bishop pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.
An undated file photo of the exterior the Timmins courthouse on Spruce Street North. (CTV News Northern Ontario)
Bishop was supported at his court appearance but both his mother and sibling.
The 26-year-old has already served more than two years in jail and the crown attorney is asking for him to serve at least two more.
Timmins police charged Bishop with second-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and two charges related to firearms more than two years ago – all in connection with a triple shooting at a residence on Father Costello Drive.
On March 26, the court heard that Bishop and three others were dealing and consuming drugs out of an apartment on September 23, 2021, and while asleep, Bishop was attacked with a crowbar and suffered cuts to his head, a broken nose along with other injuries.
Bishop claimed he acted in self-defence when he shot at the others.
The shooting took place on Father Costello Drive in Schumacher in September 2021. (File photo/Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)
One victim died from their gunshot wounds and another is now paralyzed.
Crown attorney Wayne O’Hanley told CTV News that the murder charges were dropped because the survivors did not want to be a part of the court process.
Defence attorney Alison Craig has requested that if Bishop serves any more time that it be done in the community.
Craig said Bishop is a strong candidate for rehabilitation since this is his first offence and his family and friends have told the court that he is a model father of two children, who is a caring and humble man who survived childhood trauma.
Justice Erin Cullen, who is presiding over the case, said she is concerned about the discharge of the firearm and questions asking for leniency when one puts oneself in a position to use an unauthorized handgun.
Cullen said she needs time to consider the sentencing and her decision will be given on April 4.
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