Member of 'Terror Squad' Gand Gets 9.5 Years for Adult Conviction in Casino Winner Murder Case
A teen who was tried as an adult for the October 2019 murder of a casino winner during a chilling home invasion in North Battleford, Canada, has been given a sentence of nine and a half years in jail.
The minor, whose name can't be revealed because of the Canadian Youth Criminal Justice Act, was part of the local "Terror Squad" gang. He was 17 at the time of the murder of Ryan Gatzke, 27, a future father who had snagged $1,500 at the Gold Eagle Casino that night.
Gatzke and his wife had a relaxing night at the establishment in Saskatchewan province, having enjoyed drinks and dinner, before going home. However, a former Gold Eagle Casino employee tipped the "Terror Squad" off about the Gatzkes' potential cash and weed possession at their home.
An official for the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), which oversees the Gold Eagle Casino, revealed in January that the informant was a former employee at the time of the robbery and was no longer working there.
Nevertheless, Sask Today disclosed that the individual was rehired after the crime. It remains unclear whether they will be prosecuted.
Criminal Nightmare
The evening of Gatzkes' win was interrupted by the sound of their bedroom door opening. A man with a gun appeared in the doorway.
Three Terror Squad members, Jacob Ballantyne, Isaac Melko, and the minor, had invaded their home. Meanwhile, Charles McLean waited outside as the escape driver.
All were under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Melko had an SKS rifle and Ballantyne a 9mm handgun.
The minor pointed a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun at Gatzke. The pair grappled, and Gatzke took two bullets to the mid-chest and abdomen. One of these shots severed his right coronary artery.
The juvenile then stepped on Gatzke's lifeless body.
'No Regret'
Psychiatrists hired by the court have characterized the minor as someone with a tumultuous upbringing and who suffers from an antisocial personality disorder. They confirmed he “shows no remorse” and is “firmly embedded in the gang and has no ambition to change,” according to court papers.
Ballantyne was condemned to eight years in prison, and Melko received a 12-year sentence after both pled guilty to manslaughter. McLean was given four years for manslaughter.
Following the sentencing, Gatzke's mom, June Gatzke, shared her sentiments about her son, who was a diligent worker that enjoyed teasing and joking. He was juggling two positions to provide for his fianceé and the baby on the way.
"It tears my heart to pieces every time I think about it. It tears my heart to pieces every day," she lamented.
Read also:
- Schalke nears massive changes
- Immediately renew Terzic's contract.
- Gulacsi sets a challenge for the upcoming million-man group.
- The St. Pauli manager held the injured player.
Source: www.casino.org
