A request by one of the Surrey Six murderers to halt his convictions has been dismissed by a B.C. Supreme Court judge. Justice Martha Devlin concluded that the claims of misconduct by Cody Haevischer against law enforcement and corrections officers did not warrant staying the case against him despite nearly two decades passing since the gang-related killings that shook the province.
After being found guilty in the Surrey Six murders in 2014, Haevischer sought to halt the proceedings, alleging police misconduct and mistreatment during his incarceration constituted an abuse of the legal process. However, Devlin rejected most of his claims, acknowledging only that Haevischer’s time in solitary confinement violated his Charter rights.
The ruling marked the formal entry of six murder convictions and a conspiracy charge against Haevischer, resulting in a life sentence for his involvement in the crimes. The legal battle surrounding the case dates back to the 2007 murders, with Haevischer and co-accused Matthew Johnston initially found guilty in 2014 but subsequently appealing for a stay of proceedings.
Devlin’s decision was met with relief by victims’ families present in the courtroom, including Eileen Mohan, whose son Christopher was among the innocent victims. She described the verdict as a step towards justice for their loved ones and a reassurance of accountability within the justice system.
The Surrey Six murders occurred during a violent gang conflict in October 2007, where Haevischer and fellow Red Scorpion members targeted Corey Lal and ended up killing six individuals, including two bystanders. Devlin emphasized the severity of Haevischer’s actions, stating that he played a central role in the calculated and deliberate murder of the victims.
The judge meticulously evaluated Haevischer’s claims of police impropriety and mistreatment in custody, ultimately finding that while some aspects breached his rights, they did not warrant a stay of proceedings or a reduced sentence. Devlin highlighted the gravity of the case, emphasizing that despite any challenges faced by Haevischer, the undeniable facts of his crimes remained unchanged.