Shilo Martineau sat in shock Tuesday night, as a Court of Queen’s Bench jury revealed its decision that the man accused of murdering the love of her life would walk free.
“I’m confused, angry and hurt. Sean’s son is left without a father all because of a stupid fight,” she said from her downtown apartment Thursday.
Ralph Pike, 33, was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in connection with the death of 24-year-old Sean Auger, who was stabbed in a Whyte Avenue alley in September 2008.
Though Pike was convicted and sentenced to 15 months for possession of a prohibited weapon, he will serve no jail time due to time already served awaiting trial.
During trial, Pike claimed he and Auger “came together” in a struggle for Pike’s switchblade.
Auger did not live to see the birth of his son, who was born two months after the stabbing.
“At least (Pike) gets to go home and see his kids,” Martineau said. “Sean can’t.”
Court documents confirmed Thursday Pike is wanted on two outstanding bench warrants in Halifax for uttering death threats and break and enter charges. Both were issued in May 2008, four months before Auger was stabbed.
Pike was also convicted in January 2007 and was sentenced to one year’s probation for uttering death threats in a June 2006 Halifax incident.
Jurors were not made aware of Pike’s outstanding warrants or previous convictions to protect Pike’s right to a fair trial.
Crown prosecutor Lisa Tchir won’t appeal the decision, as she believed jurors were given the correct definitions of laws in relation to the charges, she said. “It is one of the most tragic cases I’ve had to deal with in a death because it was such a senseless event,” Tchir said. “I feel for them.”
