In a pivotal decision that has drawn the city’s attention, a Calgary jury has rejected the not criminally responsible defence of Keeton Gagnon, finding him guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal 2021 stabbing of Nicholas Nwonye. The verdict, delivered after careful deliberation, marks the conclusion of a trial that highlighted issues of mental health, criminal responsibility, and public safety in downtown Calgary.
The horrific incident occurred on June 16, 2021, when Gagnon, then 43, attacked Nwonye, a nursing student and father of three, on a CTrain platform in downtown Calgary. Court evidence revealed that Gagnon stabbed the victim in the chest with a kitchen knife in what appeared to be an unprovoked attack. Nwonye, who had been pursuing studies at Bow Valley College to support his family, succumbed to his injuries despite immediate medical intervention.
Throughout the two-week trial, the jury heard complex testimony regarding Gagnon’s mental state. The defence argued that Gagnon’s diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia rendered him unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions. Court evidence detailed Gagnon’s belief that he was being followed by a “secret society” and that his victim was part of a conspiracy against him.
“The accused was experiencing a psychotic break at the time of the incident,” defence lawyer Adriano Iovinelli argued during proceedings. “His illness prevented him from making rational choices or understanding the consequences of his actions.”
Prosecutors, however, successfully convinced the jury that despite Gagnon’s mental illness, he maintained awareness of the nature and consequences of his actions. Crown attorney Ken McCaffrey presented evidence that Gagnon had methodically concealed the weapon before the attack and attempted to flee afterward, behaviors suggesting an understanding of wrongfulness.
“The deliberate nature of his actions, including his attempts to evade capture, demonstrates that Mr. Gagnon understood what he was doing was wrong,” McCaffrey stated during closing arguments.
The case has intensified ongoing discussions about public safety in downtown Calgary, particularly regarding transit security. Since this incident, the Calgary Transit Safety and Security Task Force has implemented enhanced security measures, including additional peace officers at stations and improved surveillance systems.
The verdict also touches on broader Canadian debates around mental health resources and the criminal justice system’s approach to offenders with psychiatric conditions. Mental health advocates have pointed to the case as evidence of systemic gaps in early intervention and treatment.
Justice Blair Nixon has scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2024. Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with parole ineligibility ranging from 10 to 25 years, which the court will determine at the sentencing hearing.
For the Nwonye family, who emigrated from Nigeria to build a better life in Canada, the verdict brings a measure of closure, though they continue to grapple with their profound loss.
“Nicholas was studying to become a nurse to help others. His compassion and dedication to his family and community will never be forgotten,” said family spokesperson Emmanuel Omoregie, who spoke briefly following the verdict.
As Calgary processes this verdict, the pressing question remains: How can our communities better balance mental health support with public safety to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future?
