Official News Release Download
Today's sentencing of Mr. Willness has been a long time coming. It is clear from the evidence presented at trial that Cst. Young's death was senseless and unnecessary.
The Abbotsford Police Department thanks our colleagues at the Nelson Police Department for their investigation of this incident, the Crown for their work in the prosecution of this case, and all the witnesses who provided their accounts of the incident.
We are glad that the prosecution resulted in the conviction of Mr. Willness for Manslaughter and that he has been sentenced.
However, nothing will bring Cst. Young back to his loving family or back to us at the AbbyPD. Cst. Young and his family remain in our thoughts and our hearts.
Cst. Art Stele
Media Relations Officer
Abbotsford Police Department