Three men linked to killing of gangster Jonathan Bacon sentenced
Posted May 2, 2018 12:36 pm.
Last Updated May 2, 2018 12:37 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
KELOWNA (NEWS 1130) – Nearly seven years after the leader of the Red Scorpions gang was gunned down outside a Kelowna hotel, his killers are going to prison.
Jason McBride, the man who shot Jonathan Bacon to death, has been sentenced to life with no chance of parole for 18 years.
McBride and two other men, who were originally charged with first-degree murder, have avoided trials by entering guilty pleas to lesser charges.
Dan McLaughlin with the BC Prosecution Service says McBride is now convicted of second degree murder and four counts of attempted murder involving the August 2011 shooting.
“Mr. McBride also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of (Hells Angel) Larry Amero, (Independent Soldier) James Riach, Leah Hadden-Watts and Lyndsey Black while using a prohibited firearm, so he also received a 15 year sentence which is to run concurrent to count one which is the life sentence he received.”
Michael Jones and Jujhar Khun-Khun, both of whom are convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, have been sentenced to 18 years minus credit for time served. That means they might be eligible for parole in about six years.
“We always hoped that the conclusion of these proceedings represents closure for the community and those directly involved. This particular sentence certainly brings with this certainty in finality to all processes, as it’s a guilty plea and there’s no prospect of an appeal,” says McLaughlin.
McBride has also been sentenced to 15 years for the attempted murders of four other people also wounded in the shooting outside a waterfront hotel.
