Saskatoon Man Receives 14-Year Prison Term for Fatal Shooting
A Saskatoon man has been handed a 14-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the December 2022 killing of 21-year-old Kaylum Tom. Justice Natasha Crooks delivered the sentence, describing the incident as a deliberate, senseless, and unprovoked act of gun violence against an unarmed victim.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to court documents and an agreed statement of facts, the fatal shooting occurred on December 1, 2022, outside an apartment building in the area of 21st Street and Avenue W South in Saskatoon. Both Tom and Thomas were visiting relatives and friends at the same building, though the two groups did not know each other well.
After leaving the apartment around the same time, Tom and his brother exited a van and approached Thomas, whose friends were waiting inside a taxi. Surveillance video played in court captured the moment Thomas pulled a gun and shot Tom in the chest. The video had no audio, so the exact words exchanged remain unknown, though the court acknowledged comments were made regarding gang affiliation.
Thomas fled the scene in the taxi, while Tom's family drove away in their van and flagged down police. Tom was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
Sentencing and Legal Arguments
Zennen Clyde Thomas, 21, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on January 2, after originally being charged with second-degree murder. The Crown prosecutor sought a 14-year sentence, while the defense argued for a term between nine and 12 years.
Justice Crooks stated that the Crown's submission struck an appropriate balance, considering Thomas's personal circumstances while recognizing the serious nature of the offense, which she described as near murder. She noted that similar cases have resulted in sentences of 17 or 18 years.
Thomas's lawyer, Tanis Talbot, cited her client's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other conditions as factors that make him prone to impulsivity and lessen his moral culpability. With credit for time already served on remand, Thomas has just over nine years remaining to serve.
Victim's Background and Impact
At the time of his death, Kaylum Tom was involved with Build Up Saskatoon, a construction program managed by Quint Development Corporation. The program offers training and mentorship to individuals facing employment barriers. The program manager at the time described Tom as a model crew mate, highlighting his positive contributions and the tragic loss of a young man who had taken steps toward personal change.
This case underscores the ongoing issues of gun violence and its devastating effects on communities, with the court emphasizing the need for justice while considering the complexities of the offender's background.
