On the second day of the trial of Ralph Bernard Shaw, accused of being responsible for the fatal 2021 Faro shootings, the defendant pleaded guilty to three of 10 counts, including two counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault.
Judge Elizabeth Hughes noted that the accused now faces a life sentence following his response to the charge.
Ralph Bernard Shaw, however, pleaded not guilty to other charges of attempted murder and use of a weapon with intent.
About twenty people were present at the Yukon Supreme Court on Monday morning to hear the Crown review the events that occurred on the afternoon of October 26 in the community of Faro, located a little more than 350 kilometers away. northeast of Whitehorse.Last week, the accused, aged 64, had already admitted to having discharged the weapon which caused the deaths of his ex-partner, Saengduean Honchaiyaphum, and Patrick McCracken, a 73-year-old man.
He also admitted to injuring a third person. The Crown clarified that it was the new spouse of Saengduean Honchaiyaphum. The man suffered seven gunshot wounds to the shoulder, abdomen and back and had to be evacuated to Whitehorse and then to Vancouver for treatment.
Timeline of events
The court was able to hear testimony from several witnesses to the shooting, who recounted the events.
Ralph Bernard Shaw was first in Whitehorse where he had been staying for some time at the Family Hotel, downtown. He and his ex-partner separated that summer and she left home with her two children, obtaining a no contact order from the court.
On the morning of October 26, the accused loaded his rifles, one of which he had bought the day before from Rory Patrick McGivern, then he took the road to Faro.
Shortly before 1 p.m., he arrived at his ex-partner’s house. The latter’s new companion, as well as a friend, were moving a piece of furniture there.
An argument then broke out between Saengduean Honchaiyaphum and Ralph Bernard Shaw during which the woman repeatedly asked her ex-partner to leave.
Instead, he opened fire, hitting her in the back, before targeting her new partner. The latter, as well as his friend, managed to flee and take refuge in a nearby house. The accused followed them and opened fire on the house, even managing to enter it, before finally leaving.
He then headed towards the house of Patrick McCracken, whom he accused of “belittling” him, which the man denied. He pretended to leave before turning and opening fire, hitting the man in the back. The victim’s wife witnessed the incident.
The accused finally headed towards the Tintina district, about ten kilometers away, and discharged his weapon at the residences before being arrested by the police.
At the time of his arrest, Ralph Bernard Shaw was found with just over $53,000 in cash, a diamond ring, his passport and identification, as well as a large quantity of ammunition.
The trial continues with the presentation of statements from 22 victims.
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