A Williams Lake man pleaded guilty Friday to the murder of a man that involved kidnapping the victim and then forcing him over a bridge into the Fraser River.
Jayson James Anthony Gilbert had initially been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Branton Regner but pleaded guilty to the lesser and included offence of second-degree murder during a brief appearance in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver.Court heard that Gilbert was responsible for forcing the victim and a person who cannot be identified due to a publication ban into the back of a vehicle and then driving them to the Rudy Johnson Bridge.
The accused, wearing red prison clothing and a mask, sat quietly in the prisoner’s dock during the proceedings. A report that looks into Gilbert’s Indigenous background is expected to be prepared for the sentencing.Article content The Crown earlier stayed charges that were laid against Jordell Sellars, a third accused in the case.