(File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Geering Guilty

Man charged with death of mother, pleads guilty to manslaughter

May 30, 2024 | 5:20 PM

Standing before Justice Labach, and behind a plexi-glass screen with his lawyer at his side, a man charged with the death of his mother entered a plea of guilty.

Walter Geering appeared Thursday at Court of King’s Bench in Battleford.

Orginally charged with second degree murder, Geering was instead arraigned on a lesser charge of manslaughter.

The case dates back to June, 2022, when RCMP responded to a report of an injured individual at a home on 93 Street in North Battleford. Officers and paramedics found a woman who was declared deceased.

Beatrice Geering, 72, was later identified as the victim.

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With the guilty plea entered, September’s scheduled trial dates have been vacated. The sentencing will occur on Oct. 4.

A picture taken at the time of the incident. (File photo/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

Speaking to the Justice, Defense Lawyer Jonathan Bodvarson noted that they will argue Geering’s current phycological condition be taken into account.

“My friend knows the range of the Crown, I know what my friend is going to be seeking in terms of a sentence,” said Prosecutor Brenda Korchinski, noting they are contesting the sentence and that another prosecutor will attend the sentencing.

Before Justice Labach spoke directly to Geering and asked him questions about whether he understood the charges, he asked Bodvarson if his client was fit to stand trial to which the defense confirmed he was.

Turning his attention and questions to Geering, the Justice asked if he was making the plea voluntarily and of his own free will.

“Yes, your Honour,” came the soft reply.

Labach later asked Geering if he understood by entering a guilty plea, he was admitting he committed manslaughter.

“Yes,” Geering said.

Labach proceeded to inform Geering what will happen during sentencing.

“You also understand that at the end of the day that it’s my decision as to what’s an appropriate sentence,” he said and Geering replied he did.

julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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