A 32-year-old man has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with a 2023 killing at a Prince George apartment complex. The case has drawn attention because of its location near the city’s downtown core and the violent events that occurred.
The incident took place on March 7, 2023, at the Connaught Hill Residences, a highrise apartment building located less than 500 metres from city hall. Police were called to the building after reports of gunfire and an altercation inside the property. When officers arrived, they discovered clear signs of violence, including blood at the scene, and later confirmed the death of Davis Smith.
Authorities quickly identified Dakota Rayn Keewatin as the main suspect. Following months of investigation and court proceedings, Keewatin, now 32, was found guilty of manslaughter in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on August 19.
Manslaughter is a serious criminal charge under Canadian law. It refers to an unlawful killing that does not involve intent to cause death, though intent to cause harm may be present. This makes it different from murder charges, which require proof of deliberate intent to kill. Manslaughter can apply when a person acts in a reckless or dangerous way that causes death, even if they did not mean to kill the victim. Courts consider the actions leading to the death, the weapon or method used, and the level of planning involved.
In Canada, there is no minimum sentence for manslaughter, giving judges discretion to consider the facts of each case. However, if a firearm is used, the law imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison.
The verdict against Keewatin highlights how Canada’s justice system handles complex violent crime cases. While the Crown argued that Davis Smith’s death was the direct result of Keewatin’s actions, the court determined that the case fit the definition of manslaughter rather than murder. This decision reflects how the legal system weighs both intent and action when deciding charges.
For the family and community, such cases carry long-lasting impact. For Davis Smith’s loved ones, the ruling closes one chapter but does not erase the loss. Public safety is also a concern because this killing took place in a central area near city hall and residential spaces.
Manslaughter cases are not uncommon in Canada, but each brings unique circumstances. The Prince George case shows how quickly altercations can turn deadly and how the justice system navigates questions of intent. The outcome also reflects Canada’s approach to sentencing, where judges balance accountability with the specific circumstances of the crime.
Experts note that public interest often rises in cases involving firearms or crimes in visible public areas. Such incidents raise questions about safety, policing, and the effectiveness of laws aimed at reducing gun violence. The mandatory minimum sentence for firearm-related manslaughter seeks to deter such acts, though debates continue about whether minimum sentences are effective.
With Keewatin now convicted, the next phase will involve sentencing, where the court decides the appropriate penalty based on the case’s details. This process includes input from the Crown, the defense, and victim impact statements. The sentencing aims to deliver justice while considering public safety and rehabilitation.
The Prince George apartment killing conviction marks a significant step in a case that has drawn attention since early 2023. It also brings focus on how Canada addresses violent crime, the importance of intent in legal definitions, and the ongoing challenge of ensuring safety in residential neighborhoods.
