A request by one of the Surrey Six murderers to halt his convictions has been denied by a B.C. Supreme Court judge. Justice Martha Devlin stated that the allegations of misconduct against police and corrections officials made by Cody Haevischer did not warrant staying the case. The judge’s decision solidifies six murder convictions and a conspiracy charge against Haevischer, ensuring he serves a life sentence.
Haevischer, convicted in 2014 for his role in the Surrey Six killings, had sought to halt the proceedings, citing police misconduct and mistreatment while in custody. Despite his claims, Devlin dismissed most of his allegations, acknowledging only a breach of his Charter rights due to solitary confinement.
The legal battle following the 2007 gangland slayings led to Haevischer and his co-accused, Matthew Johnston, being found guilty in 2014. However, their initial application for a stay was dismissed. The Court of Appeal later overturned this decision, leading to a lengthy evidentiary hearing that commenced in November 2024.
Devlin’s ruling, delivered after considering all aspects of the case, was met with relief by victims’ families present in the gallery. Eileen Mohan, mother of one of the innocent victims, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the importance of justice being served.
The Surrey Six murders, a heinous crime that shocked the province, took place in October 2007. Haevischer and his accomplices targeted drug dealer Corey Lal but ended up killing six individuals, including two innocent victims. Devlin reiterated the gravity of the crimes committed by Haevischer, emphasizing his active role in the brutal executions.
The judge thoroughly assessed Haevischer’s claims of police impropriety and mistreatment in custody but ultimately found them insufficient to warrant a stay of proceedings or a reduced sentence. While acknowledging some breaches of rights, Devlin concluded that the convictions against Haevischer must stand, highlighting the severity of his actions.
In conclusion, Devlin upheld the convictions against Haevischer, who also faces sentencing for a contempt of court charge. The judge’s decision marks a significant milestone in the legal saga surrounding the Surrey Six murders, ensuring accountability for the heinous crimes committed.