Two men, Preston Whitford and Jeremy Whincup, were sentenced last week for their involvement in a tragic incident that took place in Portage la Prairie in 2024. Whitford and his uncle unlawfully entered a home, where Whitford fatally shot a man over a drug debt and killed the man’s girlfriend before fleeing. The impact of this heinous act was highlighted in court, emphasizing the lasting pain felt by the victims’ families.
The daughter of victim James Borden expressed in a statement read by Crown attorney Laura Martin the profound loss she feels and the void left by her father’s absence. The court learned that Whitford and Whincup, who operated a drug operation in the area, were responsible for orchestrating the ambush that led to the deaths of Borden and Emily Smoke.
Whitford, now 31, and Whincup, now 55, pleaded guilty to their roles in the killings. Whitford’s lawyer cited his client’s drug use history as a factor clouding his judgment during the incident. Whitford received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 17 years, while Whincup, with an extensive criminal record, was sentenced to 18 years for two counts of manslaughter.
During their time in custody, Whincup made multiple phone calls to Whitford, discussing their grievances against Borden regarding money owed from drug sales. These conversations provided crucial evidence for the police investigation. The court heard that the fatal shootings were a result of escalating tensions over the debt, with Whitford shooting Borden and Smoke without provocation.
The victims’ families shared their heartbreak and struggles in court, with Borden’s mother and sister expressing their profound grief and loss. Smoke’s mother also spoke of her anguish and fear following her daughter’s tragic death. Despite the pain, the families found solace in the accountability brought by the convictions, allowing them to slowly begin the healing process and cherish the memories of their loved ones.