Prosecutor Alleges Murderous Intent in Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man
A second trial is currently proceeding in the murder case of Jordan Jacques-Vetten, with prosecutors asserting that the accused gunman, Robert Joseph Matthews, possessed clear murderous intent when he fatally shot the homeless man during a failed robbery attempt. The tragic incident occurred on September 9, 2023, when Jacques-Vetten was discovered deceased on a porch in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Calgary.
Crown Lawyer Details Matthews' Criminal Ambitions
Crown prosecutor Carla MacPhail presented arguments on Thursday, suggesting that Matthews was actively seeking to establish himself as a dominant figure within Calgary's criminal underworld. According to MacPhail, Matthews aimed to demonstrate his leadership by recruiting two other individuals to participate in a planned crime spree. Ultimately, he succeeded in enlisting one youth, who cannot be identified due to age restrictions at the time of the offense.
MacPhail emphasized that Matthews was "committed to success" on the night of the shooting, with his definition of success involving both asserting dominance as the "boss" and executing a significant criminal act. "He was going to commit a crime of some magnitude. It was going to be a big deal," MacPhail stated during proceedings before Justice Lisa Silver. "He was on his way to taking over Calgary."
Details of the Fatal Encounter
The prosecution outlined that the shooting transpired when the youth accomplice, then aged 17, attempted to rob Jacques-Vetten of his backpack. Matthews, aged 27, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly firing the fatal shot into the victim's chest. Jacques-Vetten was 33 years old at the time of his death.
MacPhail urged Justice Silver to find that the Crown has substantiated Matthews' intent to commit murder, pointing to evidence including text messages exchanged between Matthews and the teen. These communications revealed Matthews' efforts to acquire .22 caliber bullets for a rifle initially intended for ATM robberies. When those plans fell through, MacPhail suggested Matthews grew increasingly frustrated and determined to achieve some form of criminal success.
Prosecution's Evidence of Premeditation
Further supporting the murder charge, MacPhail highlighted Matthews' preparation, noting his possession of ear protection—a detail she argued indicated planned gunfire. "You do not need ear protection unless you're gonna fire the weapon," MacPhail asserted, reinforcing the claim of premeditated intent.
Defence lawyer Rebecca Snukal acknowledged during proceedings last November that Matthews was present and fired the shot, but contested the degree of culpability. "The argument will not be that Mr. Matthews was not there and was not the shooter," Snukal clarified. "The issue will be between manslaughter and murder."
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The youth accomplice has already been convicted of manslaughter and is scheduled for a sentencing hearing next week. As the trial continues, the court will examine whether Matthews' actions constitute second-degree murder or the lesser charge of manslaughter, with the prosecution maintaining that his intent was unequivocally murderous.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about violent crime in Calgary, particularly involving vulnerable populations like the homeless. The judicial process seeks to deliver justice for Jacques-Vetten while addressing the broader implications of criminal violence in urban settings.
