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Saskatoon Shooting: Manslaughter Sentence Looms
23 Jan
Summary
- Man pleaded guilty to manslaughter for fatal shooting.
- Victim was part of a gang diversion program.
- Defendant cited severe cognitive deficits due to upbringing.
A fatal shooting on Saskatoon's west side has led to a manslaughter plea and an upcoming sentencing. Zennen Clyde Thomas, 21, admitted to fatally shooting Kaylum Tom, 21, on December 1, 2022, following a brief, gang-related verbal exchange outside an apartment building.
Tom, who was participating in a gang diversion program aimed at helping individuals leave the gang lifestyle, was shot once in the chest. He was pronounced dead at Royal University Hospital shortly after the incident.
Thomas, who was homeless and had been using methamphetamine prior to the shooting, had received the firearm the day before. His defence lawyer highlighted his difficult upbringing, Indigenous heritage, diagnosed fetal alcohol syndrome, and significant cognitive deficits as mitigating factors for sentencing.
Crown prosecutors are seeking a 14-year prison sentence, while the defence has proposed a term between nine and 12 years. Justice Natasha Crooks is expected to deliver her sentencing decision on February 12.




