‘Special kind of hell’: Sentencing submissions begin for Megan Gallagher manslaughter case

According to the agreed statement of facts presented in court, Sutherland was not present when Gallagher’s body was moved.

Sutherland is one of seven people convicted in connection to the death of Gallagher. Others were previously sentenced for charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter and offering an indignity to human remains.

Victim impact statements which will be read by Gallagher’s family were expected to be submitted by her birthday on April 9.

“Instead of celebrating and having cake and coffee cake, ice cream and things like that, we were busy with trembling fingers typing out our victim impact statements,” Megan’s father Brian Gallagher said.

For over five years Brian said it’s been challenging navigating the courts, calling the process “horrendous.” He added that it has required his family to adjust their lifestyles.

“It’s been a special kind of hell that I don’t think anybody should ever have to endure.”

Megan’s stepmother Deb Gallagher said the process of writing victim impact statements reactivates trauma for the family.

“You’re forced to relive it again and again,” she said.

Brian said this will be the fifth victim impact statement he has prepared, but this time, his words will not be protected by a publication ban.

“I invite everybody to read them,” he said.

Brian said he and his wife still found time to celebrate their Gallagher’s birthday with cake and ice cream, and said his daughter had a dream of becoming a Red Seal chef.

“When we prepare these meals, we’re always thinking about Megan,” Brian said.

“We want to remember Megan as she was a beautiful, talented, gifted, generous young lady.”

by Mia Holowaychuk, CKOM News Staff

‘Special kind of hell’: Sentencing submissions begin for Megan Gallagher manslaughter case

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