A 23-year-old man, Riley Jordan Moyah, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Roland Lamalice in Hay River. Lamalice’s body was discovered on Lagoon Road in January 2022, leading to Moyah’s arrest in St. Albert, AB following a Canada-wide warrant.
The Crown and defense jointly recommended the 12-year prison term, along with a DNA order and lifetime prohibition on firearms during the sentencing hearing. This recommendation was accepted by the judge, with Crown prosecutor Blair MacPherson describing Moyah’s actions as “callous and inhumane,” emphasizing the impact of the drug trade on the community.
Moyah’s lawyer, Austin Corbett, expressed that the proposed sentence aligns with the gravity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it. He underscored the need for a proportional sentence that considers both the offense and the individual’s moral culpability.
The court also heard over 20 victim impact statements from Lamalice’s family, friends, and community members, highlighting the profound sorrow and frustration caused by drug-related violence. Moyah issued an apology during the proceedings, acknowledging his responsibility and expressing remorse for the tragic events.
Following the sentencing, Moyah is set to serve his 12-year term at a federal penitentiary in the southern region.