Warning: This story contains details of a homicide that may be distressing.
Wanting alleged bullying to stop was the motive given for a confrontation and altercation that led to the death of Antwon Bull of Ponoka, 19, on July 8, 2022, close to the 7-Eleven gas station in Wetaskiwin.
Adam James Cook, 30, and Morgan Maslin, 22, both from Wetaskiwin, were found guilty of manslaughter on March 24, 2025, at the Wetaskiwin Court of King's Bench.
During the oral decision given by Hon. Justice Susan Bercov, the court heard Bull had been stabbed 11 times with two weapons: a knife and a broken beer bottle.
Bercov said the Crown had proven Bull's death was a culpable homicide, however, although she found the two accused had planned to confront Bull, she wasn't satisfied the Crown had proven either of the men had intended to cause bodily harm that was likely to cause death.
Bercov said both accused testified of their intent to scare Bull but they realized the incident "went further than they intended" after Bull collapsed.
"I want to comment on the absolute tragedy that happened," said Bercov.
"A young man has lost his life. A mother has lost a son. Antwon Bull's family lost a loved one. People in his community lost a friend ... you each played a role with what happened and you both will have to live with what happened for the rest of your lives," she said.
"I have no doubt that Antwon Bull's family will live with grief for the rest of their lives."
Cook was seated in the jury box on the left side of the courtroom and Maslin was in the prisoner's dock on the right side of the room. Both appeared expressionless during the proceedings although Cook had his face in his hand, or resting on a fist, for much of the time.
According to RCMP, police and EMS responded to 40 Ave. east of 56 St. in Wetaskiwin at about 8:25 p.m. Bull had sustained life-threatening injuries.
Court heard the responding paramedic made the "difficult decision" to transport Bull to the University of Alberta rather than the Wetaskiwin hospital due to the severity of his injuries. He died later in hospital.
During the 14-day trial, held from Dec. 2 to 19, 2024, a medical examiner testified the cause of death was two fatal wounds - one to the left side of his neck and one to his upper left chest. The victim had suffered significant blood loss, went into shock, his organs struggled to maintain proper function and he went into cardiac arrest, resulting in his death.
While it wasn't possible to determine which weapon made all of the wounds, the medical examiner testified the two fatal wounds were made by the knife. He also stated Bull had sustained a cut on one finger that he categorized as a defensive wound.
Bercov found there was no doubt Maslin and Cook were liable for the victim's death and dismissed the defence's argument that Bull may have survived if he'd been take to the Wetaskiwin hospital as "pure speculation."
Video surveillance footage from inside the Husky gas station and eye witness statements helped to establish a timeline of events before and after the stabbing, however, Bercov said she did not find Maslin a credible witness and could only accept some of the evidence given by Cook due to "many inconsistencies and implausibilities."
Court heard after two accused got off in the early afternoon, they joined four other individuals they partied and drank with.
During the trial, Cook had admitted to drinking alcohol and Maslin admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana, in the hours before confronting Bull.
During the evening, Maslin and Cook went to 7-11 to buy more alcohol where they spotted Bull. After that, they bought cigarettes at the Husky station.
At some point, although versions vary, Maslin told Cook that Bull had been bullying him and he wanted it to stop, and Cook had said he'd help confront Bull, and they went back to the 7-Eleven.
Witness statements supported that Maslin had been bullied by Bull, saying Bull had "put up gang signs" directed at Maslin two days before the incident, and had ripped a chain off his neck and threw a can at him, and had threatened and insulted him on other occasions.
While Maslin told police that it was Cook's idea to confront Bull, at trial, he admitted it was his idea and admitted he wanted to fight bull and "stand up for himself" or he felt Bull wouldn't stop "pursuing him," Bercov summarized.
Bercov said she was persuaded the plan was developed while inside of the Husky gas station.
Video surveillance shows the two accused chasing Bull, but not the fight itself.
In dispute during trial was who had brought a knife belonging to Maslin, to the confrontation.
While both admitted to stabbing Bull, they both said the other accused had brought the knife.
Cook said he took the knife away from Maslin to stop him, but then said he took two swipes with the knife at Bull, catching the strap of Bull's backpack and his sweater.
Bercov said DNA evidence established that both accused were present at the scene, which was not in dispute, but was not helpful in establishing who inflicted what wound.
"I'm not able to determine who inflicted the fatal blows," said Bercov, however, she went on to explain it didn't matter.
There was no dispute that for the actions of the two accused that day, Bull would be alive, she said.
When proving joint liability, all that is needed is to show each accused contributed significantly to causing the death, Bercov said.
Both made a plan, both walked with purpose towards the victim and both chased him, she said.
Cook's defence argued he was a moral innocent because he didn't know Maslin had brought a knife and that he'd taken the knife away from Maslin.
"I disagree," said Bercov, adding Cook made two statements separate regarding the knife and he was aware Maslin had taken it with him.
"I find he was aware of the knife and it was part of the plan."
The Crown argued the accused had subjective knowledge their actions were likely to cause bodily harm and were reckless regarding of whether they caused bodily harm leading to death - the lesser proof of intent.
The Crown stated that death was the natural and probable consequence of the stabbing due to the number of wounds, the locations and the vital areas of the two fatal wounds.
The Crown said as the fight was two-on-one, the victim was unarmed and was chased down and both accused had motive, the only reasonable inference was that they knew they were causing harm that was likely to cause death.
The prosecution further argued the accused running away after the attack and disposing of the bottle in a dumpster further showed intent.
Bercov, citing case law, said she disagreed the accused had intent to cause death, as more than one wound can be indicative of a struggle and stabbings on the ground are much more indicative of intent than while a victim is standing.
Maslin also sustained a gash to his hand during the altercation.
One eye witness had stated he'd seen only one punch thrown after Bull was on the ground, and that it was to the head, but he didn't see where exactly.
Bercov said if accurate, that meant the fatal wounds were inflicted while the victim was still standing.
She further stated the incident was in broad daylight, out in the open, and as Cook didn't know the victim, he was unlikely to agree to killing Bull.
The accused didn't sneak up on Bull, and as he was six feet tall and weighed 160 lbs, Bercov said it wasn't believable he wouldn't fight back, and referred to Maslin's injured hand and Bull's defensive wound as evidence of a struggle.
She said the stabbing happened quickly and it was possible that, in the heat of the movement, the two accused did not consider the consequences.
"The Crown has not proven that either believed his actions were likely to cause death," Bercov said.
Bercov concluded she was not satisfied either accused had the required subjective knowledge or intent required for a murder conviction and found them not guilty of second degree murder, but guilty of manslaughter (culpable homicide).
The next court date has been set for April 8, 2025, after which sentencing will be scheduled.
