A St. John’s man has been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of a 71-year-old man almost four years ago.
The verdict was delivered in Supreme Court this afternoon by Justice Vikas Khaladkar.
Fifty-six-year-old Des Downey was charged in May of 2023, more than a year after the incident on March 3rd, 2022.
Downey punched 71-year-old Doug Hunt once in the side of the head, a smack that slowly caused the man’s death about five hours later.
The judge found Downey flew into an unnecessary rage over a family dispute in which consent was required for cremation of a relative — namely, the mother of Downey’s common-law partner.
Supreme Court Justice Vikas Khaladkar. (VOCM News)
Hunt only went to her house for that consent, because the law — which the judge said is in serious need of change — doesn’t allow such partners to provide it.
Hunt did complain of excruciating headaches in the aftermath. But unbeknownst to him, the punch had caused serious hemmoraging which would prove fatal.
There is no minimum sentence for manslaughter but the maximum is life in prison.
All parties are scheduled to return to court March 17th to hear the Crown and defence submissions on sentence.
Meanwhile, Downey is due back in provincial court next week on charges of theft, breach of court orders and intimidating a witness during his trial.
