Robert James Thomas, 29, is pleading guilty to 2nd-degree murder in the death of Megan Gallagher, 30, four years ago in Saskatoon.
Thomas was originally charged with 1st-degree murder but entered the guilty plea to the lesser but included offence Oct. 7 at Court of King’s Bench.
Thomas entered the guilty plea at the start of a separate hearing related to the case.
“Mr. Thomas wanted to put an end to the process as fast and as painlessly as he could for the Gallaghers,” his lawyer Michael Nolin said outside court.
“It’s always tragic when people have lost loved ones. My heart goes out to the Gallaghers. The unspeakable happened and they’ve been living with it for years and it’s time that they get closure.”
Gallagher was last seen alive leaving her friend’s house in Saskatoon on Sept. 19, 2020.
Gallagher’s family had been searching for her ever since, and remained vocal in their calls for support, hosting two annual walks to bring awareness about her disappearance.
Robert Thomas’s brother and mother were in court for his plea. Thomas said “I love you all” from the prisoner’s box before the proceedings began.
Thomas returns to court in November for sentencing. The Crown and defence anticipate a joint sentencing submission.
In total, nine people have faced a variety of charges in connection with the death of the Saskatoon woman, whose body was found in the South Saskatchewan River in September 2022:
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Summer-Sky Henry, Roderick Sutherland and Cheyann Peeteetuce are all charged with 1st-degree murder.
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Thomas Sutherland is charged with manslaughter.
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Ernest Vernon Whitehead, 41, has been sentenced to 739 days in jail on a charge of indignity to human remains.
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Jessica Badger [Sutherland], 44, was given a conditional sentence order of two-years less a day on the same charge, which means she serves it in the community. After her CSO is complete, she will be on probation for 18 months.
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John Wayne Sanderson was sentenced to 1,096 days on the same charge, minus 327 days for pre-sentence custody.
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Robin John was charged with unlawful confinement and aggravated assault but the charge was stayed last fall.