Allen Day Rider convicted of manslaughter in death of common-law spouse

He went over the autopsy report that was presented to the court, which listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries to Medicine Crane’s head, neck, torso and extremities. He also brought up the medical examiner’s reference to findings that suggested she had been strangled.

Judge Peterson acknowledged the closing arguments from the defence – in which Day Rider’s lawyer said the injuries could have been caused by a fall or a series of falls, as she had been extremely intoxicated – calling the suggestion “wholly unreasonable.”

After outlining that Day Rider was arrested with Medicine Crane’s blood on his pants, that his blood was found under one of her finger nails and around the house where her body was discovered, and the fact that his face had been scratched and bloodied, Judge Peterson stated, “He beat her and he caused her death.”

Day Rider was taken into custody immediately after the verdict was entered, with his lawyer asking for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. It will examine his history to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances, while also exploring possible treatment needs while in custody and his risk to re-offend.

The case was then adjourned for a sentencing hearing on July 26 in Fort Macleod.

Outside the courthouse, Medicine Crane’s mother, Dorothy, made a brief statement while fighting to speak through tears.

“All I’m happy about is he’s going to be serving justice for what my daughter went through. She suffered three years with him, I watched her everyday. I begged her to leave him, but she wouldn’t leave him,” she sobbed.

Day Rider’s mother, Deana, then asked to speak with the media, saying they are praying for Medicine Crane’s family, despite issues between the two groups.

“He’s really hurting for the loss of his wife,” she added of her son. “He’s been taking care of his child, he’s been going to school and just trying hard for things to work out.”

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Allen Day Rider convicted of manslaughter in death of common-law spouse

What's Happening