A Canadian actor killed his mother before he attempted to commit a murder spree. Now, he will remain behind bars for over a decade.
British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Ker handed Ryan Grantham a life term in prison with the possibility of parole for the shooting death of his mother, Barbara Waite, 64. Grantham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after recording a video confessing to the homicide, reported Entertainment.
On March 31, 2020, “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Riverdale actor shot his mother in the back of the head while she played the piano. According to prosecutors, the defendant planned the homicide in detail and recorded a confession showing the slain body of his mother.
The next day, Grantham got directions to the home of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In addition, the 24-year-old actor also loaded his car with several guns, ammunition, a dozen Molotov cocktails, and some camping supplies. Though Grantham intended to kill the prime minister and create mayhem via a mass shooting at a local university campus, he turned himself over to the police instead.
During his interview with investigators, the defendant claimed his motive for the shooting was to spare his mother from witnessing the mass murders he was going to commit. In addition, Grantham was battling an intense clinical depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts and violence.
Prosecutors requested from the judge eighteen years ineligibility of parole. However, Ker noted the actor’s mental health and the family impact statement from his sister compelled for mitigated 14-year eligibility for parole.
The defendant apologized for his actions.
“In the face of something so horrible, saying sorry seems so pointless. But from every fiber of my being, I am sorry,” said Grantham during the sentencing hearing, according to Deadline.
The prison’s psychiatric ward is currently treating Grantham, who has been in custody for over two years.
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