Edmonton Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Fatal Stabbing of Teen on Dog Walk
An Edmonton man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old St. Albert teen during a group dog walk in May 2024. Keith James Landry, 42, appeared in an Edmonton courtroom on Monday wearing an orange prisoner's jumpsuit and entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter, having originally been charged with second-degree murder.
Family's Emotional Response in Court
Family members of victim Broden Radomske quietly shed tears as the Crown prosecutor read the agreed statement of facts detailing the events surrounding the killing. The emotional courtroom scene highlighted the devastating impact of the violent incident that claimed the life of the teenager.
"A month ago I would have thought he was taking accountability, but now I'm not sure if he did it to get less time," one observer noted regarding Landry's decision to plead guilty to the reduced charge.
The Fatal Evening Walk
On May 21, 2024, Landry accompanied friends to a green space near 184 Street and 137 Avenue in west Edmonton to walk dogs with Cherie Moran and her two sons, Blake and Broden. According to the agreed statement of facts, the group had stopped at a liquor store earlier that evening where Landry obtained a small bottle of vodka and briefly walked off alone before being convinced to rejoin the group.
Warning Signs and Unusual Behavior
In the days leading up to the attack, Landry had been staying with friend David Dewindt while attempting to get clean from drug and alcohol use. Dewindt told police he had observed unusual behavior from Landry, including memory lapses, crying episodes, and discussions about suicide. Dewindt expressed concern about leaving Landry alone during this period.
During the dog walk itself, Dewindt told investigators that Landry had given him a blank stare when asked if he was okay, responding that he was fine despite the concerning behavior.
The Violent Attack
The situation escalated when Landry observed Broden and Blake tussling during the walk. According to court documents, Landry then pulled out a folding knife, ran up behind Broden who was walking ahead, reached around his neck, and in a single motion slashed the teen's throat.
The attack caused a gaping wound that severed Broden's jugular vein. The 15-year-old died at the scene around 9:30 p.m. from massive blood loss within minutes of the violent assault.
Mother's Harrowing Account
Cherie Moran, Broden's mother, told police that it initially appeared her son had tripped before she realized he was bleeding profusely. She described seeing so much blood that she could observe the color draining from his face.
"I got underneath him, covered the wound and asked for an ambulance," Moran recounted to investigators. In his final moments before dying, Broden told his mother, "Mom, Keith stabbed me."
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
First responders arrived at the scene near 137 Avenue and 184 Street where supplies from emergency personnel littered the road following the fatal attack. Landry was arrested in Edmonton on May 21, 2024, and has remained in custody since that time.
The case has now moved forward with the manslaughter plea, though questions remain about the motivations behind the reduced charge acceptance and the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of the St. Albert teenager during what should have been a routine evening activity with family and acquaintances.
