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Man gets life for unprovoked shooting

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 02/21/2012 1:52 PM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Enlarge Image

FILE - A vigil in the memory of murder victim Darren Walsh at the corner of Euclid St. Avenue and Main Street.

A mentally-ill Winnipeg man has been sentenced to life in prison for the unprovoked shooting death of a virtual stranger who was simply standing at a bus stop on a Sunday afternoon.

Jheruel Mananghaya, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Tuesday morning the July 2010 killing of Darren Walsh, 24. He must serve at least 12 years behind bars until he is eligible to apply for parole.

Walsh was shot several times in the back with a .30-calibre Winchester rifle that Mananghaya had hidden inside a weed-whacker box, court was told. Walsh was standing inside a bus shack at the corner of Main Street and Euclid Avenue along with his girlfriend and her 12-year-old daughter when he was attacked.

Mananghaya and Walsh had worked together for a short time at a local mattress company but didn’t associate with each other and shared no history with him. Mananghaya had just gotten off a bus, carrying the concealed firearm, when he spotted Walsh and opened fire. He yelled out "why are you talking (expletive) about me" as he shot the victim, court was told.

Mananghaya then tried to flee the scene but was chased down by two witnesses and held for police.

Defence lawyer Gerri Wiebe said her client has suffered with mental illness which includes hearing voices, and has also battled addiction issues. In fact, he was fired from his job about a year before the killing after getting caught drinking on the job. He also tried to commit suicide following his arrest, but was found fit to stand trial after a court-ordered psychological examination.

Mananghaya said he asked for help from "the spirits" and believed noises were coming from Walsh, which prompted the slaying.

Walsh’s family members read emotional victim impact statements in court Tuesday morning.

www.mikeoncrime.com

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