Shooting victim served time for kidnapping

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This article was published 29/07/2020 (2039 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE man identified as the person shot and killed near the intersection of Magnus Avenue and Main Street last week was released from prison in April after serving time for a kidnapping in B.C.

The victim, identified by police Tuesday as Cody Alexander Sleigh, 31, was shot July 21 in the 1000 block of Main Street, near the Osborne Community Correctional Centre, which houses offenders who’ve been released under various conditions, including unescorted temporary absences, work release and day parole. Sleigh died in hospital two days later.

He had previously been imprisoned for multiple offences — in August 2011, he received a six-year sentence after pleading guilty in a home invasion in North Delta, B.C. In November of that year, while out on bail, he took part in the gang-associated kidnapping of Vancouver resident Eric Low, who was believed to be part of the drug trade, Vancouver media reported.

Six men were charged and four — including Sleigh — pleaded guilty to the kidnapping, reportedly part of a multi-million-dollar ransom demand. The incident took place in broad daylight and was planned well in advance, court heard at Sleigh’s 2015 sentencing hearing covered by the Vancouver Sun.

The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed Tuesday that Sleigh was sentenced to more than seven years in May 2015 for charges including: assault causing bodily harm; two counts of possession of a restricted firearm; possessing a firearm knowing it had been altered; conspiring to commit an indictable offence; breaking and entering; theft over $5,000 and kidnapping.

He was credited for more than five years for time served since his arrest and was on parole at the time of his death. His statutory release date was April 12, 2020. Sleigh had no criminal record based in Manitoba.

Winnipeg Police Service Const. Rob Carver said Tuesday he was not able to confirm Sleigh was staying at the Osborne Community Correctional Centre at the time of his death.

The WPS homicide unit continues to investigate.

— Malak Abas