A request by one of the Surrey Six murderers to halt his convictions has been turned down by a B.C. Supreme Court judge. Justice Martha Devlin dismissed Cody Haevischer’s claims of police and corrections officials’ misconduct, stating they were not substantial enough to justify stopping the case against him. Consequently, Haevischer’s six murder convictions and one conspiracy conviction were officially recorded, mandating a life sentence for his crimes.
This decision marks the culmination of a legal battle that began when Haevischer, convicted in 2014 for the Surrey Six murders, sought to halt proceedings, alleging police misconduct and mistreatment while in custody. Despite his plea for a stay of proceedings or a reduced sentence, Devlin rejected most of his claims, acknowledging only a breach of his Charter rights due to time spent in solitary confinement.
The ruling follows a complex legal saga stemming from the 2007 murders. Haevischer and co-accused Johnston were arrested in 2009, with a third perpetrator pleading guilty prior. After being found guilty in 2014, Haevischer and Johnston’s conviction was initially dismissed but was reinstated following appeals.
Devlin’s decision, met with emotional reactions from victims’ families, underscores the gravity of the Surrey Six tragedy. Eileen Mohan, whose son was among the innocent victims, expressed relief at the verdict, emphasizing the importance of justice. Devlin highlighted the unparalleled brutality of the murders and emphasized the unchallenged facts surrounding Haevischer’s involvement.
In her assessment, Devlin scrutinized Haevischer’s claims of police impropriety and custodial mistreatment, ultimately refuting most allegations except for the solitary confinement breach. She dismissed notions of collusion between police and corrections officials, citing legitimate concerns over Haevischer’s influence in prison. Despite his protests, Haevischer’s convictions were upheld, including a contempt charge for failing to testify during the trial.
