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DNA evidence found on clothing from the car, a gun and a pair of glasses left at the scene led to Southwind’s arrest. The now 26-year-old was originally charged with first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault against Phillip’s parents, who were home at the time, and one count of committing an offence for the benefit of a criminal organization.

Southwind pleaded guilty to manslaughter as part of a plea deal. His other charges were stayed.

The Crown and defence jointly proposed an eight-year sentence, which Justice Mona Dovell imposed. The mandatory minimum sentence for manslaughter involving a firearm is four years.

Crown prosecutor Christy Pannell asked Dovell to consider the gratuitous violence — which continued even after Phillips was shot in the chest — and that the robbery involved a gun and was done on behalf of a gang, as aggravating factors in reaching the eight-year sentence.

Court heard Phillips’s parents were beaten with the gun and a fence board when they tried to save their son.

“To watch my son die, with nothing I could do, has broken my soul and the pain is incomprehensible,” Phillips’s mother, Jan, wrote in a victim impact statement read by her daughter.

Dale Phillips described having to constantly re-live the darkest moment of his life. He said he seeks comfort in the memories of his son.

“Dylan was one of the most compassionate and genuine, caring people you could ever meet, but if needed, could be your strongest and most loyal warrior and protector,” Dale wrote in his statement. He said his son loved helping animals and those less fortunate than himself.