'What have I done to deserve this life sentence,' says mother of Cont. Shelby Patton
In a somber courtroom, family members, friends, and former colleagues of RCMP Const. Shelby Patton gathered to share their heart-wrenching victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing of Alphonse Stanley Traverse, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges.
The emotional proceedings shed light on the profound impact of Patton's loss on those who knew and loved him, as well as the legacy he leaves behind.
CTV News Regina reports the courtroom was filled with raw emotions as Const. Patton's mother, Melanie, tearfully expressed her grief, saying, "I wanted to see how he would be old, as a father, and how he would age. That's all been taken away. So much hopes and dreams have been taken away."
Although Patton's widow, Mari Grobler, did not speak in court, her sentiments were conveyed by Crown prosecutor Adam Bremer, who read her statement, which reflected the enduring pain she feels. "As time has gone on, this is still with me," the statement read.
Const. Patton's father, Ashley, shared, "since the day he came into my life, he has been my life. The day we learned of Shelby's death was the hardest day a parent could face. Trying to carry on from that point has been unbelievably difficult."
Const. Patton's mother continued, "I'm deeply saddened about the future without Shelby. I cannot help but wonder what I have done to deserve this life sentence."
Const. Patton was 26 years old when he pulled over a stolen truck in the town of Wolseley, Saskatchewan on June 12, 2021. He asked Traverse to step out of the truck, but instead Traverse tried to drive away. Const. Patton stepped on the running board of the truck and reached for the keys. He feel off the truck and was run over by a rear tire.
The court previously heard Traverse and a woman were driving from Winnipeg to Saskatchewan when their truck broke down, so they stole another one near Pipestone, Manitoba. A court document shows obtained by the Canadian Press shows they had both been using crystal meth.
The impact statements were not limited to family members, as friends and former colleagues also stepped forward to share their thoughts, with one describing him as a “perfect fit for policing.”
Beyond the law enforcement community, Const. Patton was remembered by community members and friends as someone who made a significant impact on those around him.
As the sentencing hearing unfolds, the Crown has requested a life sentence for Traverse.
The judge's final decision is scheduled for February 29.
