A Vancouver man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter could be sentenced to three to six months in a drug rehab facility followed by three years’ probation, a provincial court judge said Dec. 2.
Alexander Tyson Trimble was originally charged with both second-degree murder and manslaughter in the June 5, 2022 death of brother Zachary Trimble.
Trimble was arrested that same day after Vancouver police responded to reports of an assault at a home near Bruce Street and East 49th Avenue.
The call came in shortly before 3 a.m.
Once on scene, police discovered a 23-year-old man badly injured outside the house. He later died from his injuries.
The sentencing had been set for Dec. 2 but Judge Kathryn Denhoff said she had further questions she needed answered before she could pass an appropriate sentence.
“He wasn’t going to be released today,” Denhoff said. “Any delay would be to his benefit.”
What the judge wanted to know was how willing Trimble was to go to a treatment centre to deal with substance abuse and anger issues. And, she wanted to know what Indigenous-focused rehab might be available for Trimble.
Tim Jones, Trimble’s father, appeared in court by video. He told Denhoff he had attended a treatment facility in Campbell River. Jones said he had spoken with his son about that facility and that he was willing to go there to deal with issues such as grief, trauma and anger management.
Denhoff told Trimble he would be expected to spend at least three months at a facility and would receive three years’ probation. She told him he could take counselling.
When asked if he agreed, Trimble said, “Yeah.”
The case was adjourned to Dec. 13 for plans to be made.
“I want to make sure I can craft a sentence that is individual to you and your individual needs,” Denhoff told Trimble.
Members of Trimble’s family were once more in court to support him.
