On February 5, 1988, after hearing evidence for three days and deliberating for approximately two and a half hours, a jury returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter against Mike Laurie Barabash, 44 years old, of Vilna, Alberta.

The incident occurred January 1, 1986 about 13 kilometers north of Vilna when Barbash encountered by his common-law wife in the company of another man. A rifle was pulled by Barabash from inside his truck, a slight skirmish occurred resulting in the rifle discharging. Killed was Ernie Erasmus, 41 years, of Ashmont. The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. that New Year’s day.

A 12 member jury, 7 men, 5 women, heard testimony from 10 crown witnesses and 4 defense witnesses, including the accused who testified to his own recollection of events. Crown Attorney was Mr. Don Demetrik of St. Paul. Defense council was Mr. Alex Pringle of Edmonton, accompanied by Mr. Vital Ouellette of St. Paul.

The Honourable Justice J.A. Agrios presided. Initially the charge was second degree murder but the jury found Barbash guilty of the lesser offense of manslaughter.

In addition to a three year prison sentence Barabash is also prohibited from possessing firearms for a period of five years from the date of his release as is required by law for any conviction of this kind involving violence.