Jury finds three men guilty of killing Shawn Douglas

Loud gasps and cries were heard from family and friends of Shawn Douglas as they heard the verdict they were hoping for.

Johnathon Peepeetch, Joshua Wilson and Dennis Thompson were each found guilty of the first-degree murder of the 54-year-old Regina man.

Douglas was robbed, zip-tied and taken in the trunk of his own car to the outskirts of the city where he was beaten to death.

“You’re making a mistake but I respect your decision,” Peepetch said, standing to face the jury as the verdict was read.

Witness said Peepeetch delivered the fatal blow on Douglas by using a sledgehammer while telling him to pray.

When the jury foreperson sat down after reading the verdict she was supported by a fellow juror. Two of the jurors held hands as they each read guilty pleas to prove none of them were coerced.

Some of the jury members cried as Justice Janet McMurtry thanked them for their service in a nearly six-week long trial, filled with graphic testimony.

First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for a minimum 25 years.