Teen guilty of second-degree murder in death of Bradley Pogue

A teen has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2018 shooting death of Bradley Pogue.

A judge handed down his decision over Zoom on Wednesday morning.

The teen, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was on trial for the shooting death of 24-year-old Pogue in November 2018.

The agreed statement of facts said the teen pulled a gun on Pogue and shot him during a drug deal at a Cambridge plaza.

“I’m beyond grateful that the justice system has not failed my son,” Hayley Shultz, Pogue’s mother said. “I’ve lived for three years, one month and three days, terrified for a different outcome.”

The defence's position was the teen did not intend to kill Pogue and was arguing for a conviction of unlawful manslaughter.

The judge ruled there was intent.

“"[The teen's] question to Bradley Pogue of what he valued more, one pound of marijuana or his life, demonstrates that he fully appreciated that the gun in his hand could kill,” said Justice David Broad.

The teen is the last person to be tried in this case. Amber Craig was sentenced to 18 months house arrest after pleading guilty to obstructing justice. Adam DeGannes is serving a six year prison sentence for manslaughter.

Shultz said the case coming to an end, is giving her a sense of closure.

“It’s been a survival game. It’s literally been on day at a time, trying to survive. I’m hoping to start to heal and get back to work," she said. “Forever your mom, forever my son. I love and miss him, more than life itself.”

The teen will be back in court at the end of January for sentencing. The Crown has asked for an adult sentence.