Sentencing delayed for man convicted in killing of 19-year-old Winnipeg beer vendor employee

A Manitoba judge has delayed sentencing until next month for a man convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Winnipeg beer store employee in 2022.

The judge says she will render her decision in the sentencing of William Sampson, 54, on March 24.

At the Winnipeg courthouse Thursday, Crown prosecutors argued Sampson should be sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 18-20 years. The defence asked for no more than 14 years without eligibility for parole.

Sampson was found guilty of second-degree murder in the Feb. 15, 2022, shooting of John Lloyd Barrion through a service window of the beer vendor on Notre Dame Avenue, where the teenager was working alone in the early hours.

Describing the crime as “heinous,” Crown prosecutors say Sampson — described as a repeat offender with a lifetime of crime — stuck a sharpened .22 calibre rifle through the hole of the security kiosk while he and three men made demands for cash.

Sampson, who was 51 and on parole at the time, shot Barrion “in cold blood,” the Crown says, striking him in the lower back after the teen complied with demands from the suspects and handed over alcohol and money.

Members of the John Lloyd Barrion’s family were present in court Thursday, including his parents Maria and Manuel, his younger brother John Christian, as well as some friends. Maria could be heard crying as prosecutors detailed the shooting.

“My brother was a really hard-working young person,” John Christian Barrion said. “He would work night shifts just to support the family. With his income that he got from his work he would help support our Filipino family with utilities, with bills, with groceries.

“And to lose a brother, a companion, and also someone who supports us is really damaging to our whole Filipino family.”

Prosecutors said planning went into the robbery; the men brought masks, a bag, gloves and the rifle. The Crown also said there was no consideration for safety after the robbery took place. The men filled up their vehicle’s gas tank using money obtained from the robbery and took drugs. At no point did anyone think to call for help.

“We’re really damaged by this whole tragedy,” said John Christian, detailing the impacts on the Barrion family. “One of my brothers stopped going to school and he has been very depressed and traumatized by it. I’m still feeling a lot of burden and pain. Our financial situation isn’t very good, as someone who is in post-secondary in school — there’s not a lot of financial support and so losing John Lloyd, who helped support our Filipino family, was a big tragedy for us.”

The defence argued the judge needs to consider the “tragedies and challenges” Sampson has encountered growing up as a Black man in Canada. His attorney said he has experienced death of close family members, a miscarriage with his partner, and challenges with relationships and children.

She portrayed a lifetime of racism, instability in housing, foster care, violence, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and health issues. She said Sampson did not go to school beyond Grade 7.

As the defence spoke, Sampson leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed and his eyes looking down.

“I’m hoping to finally be in a place where I can heal and thrive, and not let the death of my brother who was killed at work, push me back and burden me any longer,” John Christian said.