Paulos Berhe convicted of second-degree murder in 2023 death of Donald Lyons
At sentencing Thursday, the victim's 13-year-old child and other family members delivered impact statements as the court heard arguments for a parole ineligibility period between 10 and 14 years.
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Paulos Berhe, 30, was convicted of second-degree murder in the December 2023 shooting death of Donald Lyons and the attempted murder of Lyons's girlfriend Amber Beach. At his sentencing hearing August 22, family members of Lyons delivered powerful impact statements as the court weighed arguments for his parole ineligibility period.
On December 18, 2023, Berhe, Lyons, and Beach met in Lyons's truck for what was supposed to be a drug deal. Berhe shot both from the back seat. Lyons was fatally wounded; Beach survived her injuries. Police described the incident as a drug deal gone wrong.
Faith Lyons, Donald's 13-year-old child, told the court: "I thought I would always have him. Since his death, I've felt under the water." Lyons's adult daughter Sky wrote a victim impact statement describing her hope that her father would recover from his addiction. "I always thought we'd have more time for him to succeed, more time for him to meet his grandchildren," she wrote. "There is no more time, no more chances, no more hope."
Dale Lyons, Donald's father, spoke of the trauma triggered by reminders of his son's death. "There are some days that are not too bad. But on the days I see a red Dodge Ram truck, those are the bad days, the meltdown days, so many tears," he said. "There is no pain or sorrow that is worse than losing a child."
Heather Lyons, Donald's mother, wrote that her son was her "best friend, my protector and my caregiver." She said she holds "tight to the beautiful memories" but is now "numb, broken."
Berhe addressed the court and offered an apology. "I never intended to do it," he said. "I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me."
The Crown prosecutor asked Justice David Labrenz to impose a 14-year ineligibility period before parole eligibility; the defence asked for 10 to 12 years. A second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 to 25 years. The judge will deliver his sentencing decision in September.
The facts
Who was convicted and what was the charge?
Paulos Berhe, 30, was convicted of second-degree murder in the December 2023 death of Donald Lyons and attempted murder of Lyons's girlfriend Amber Beach.
What happened on December 18, 2023?
Berhe shot Donald Lyons and Amber Beach from the back seat of Lyons's truck during what was supposed to be a drug deal. Lyons was fatally wounded and Beach survived. Police described it as a drug deal gone wrong.
When will the sentencing decision be announced?
Justice David Labrenz will deliver his sentencing decision in September 2026.
What parole ineligibility period did each side request?
The Crown prosecutor asked Justice David Labrenz to impose a 14-year ineligibility period before parole eligibility, while the defence asked for 10 to 12 years.
