An individual from Edmonton has been handed a 9½-year prison term for admitting to manslaughter involving a firearm in the fatal shooting of Kyle Syryda in Northwest Edmonton. Martin Dubitski, aged 42, initially faced a second-degree murder charge following the incident on December 7, 2022, but altered his plea to the lesser offense during his ongoing trial.
Taking into account his pretrial detention, Dubitski has approximately seven years left to serve following the sentencing delivered at the Edmonton Court of King’s Bench on Monday. A heart-wrenching victim impact statement from the mother of Syryda’s two children highlighted the profound impact of the loss on their lives, underscoring Syryda’s role as a dedicated and exceptional father.
The court did not read an agreed statement of facts during the recent hearing, but prosecutors mentioned another individual facing charges related to Syryda’s death, with their trial scheduled for December. Prosecutors emphasized Dubitski’s significant role in the events leading up to the fatal shooting, which transpired during an attempt to coerce Syryda into relinquishing ownership of a Chevrolet Camaro at his residence.
The presence of firearms escalated the situation, resulting in Syryda being shot twice inside his home. The court was not provided with confirmation on who discharged the firearm. Prosecutors highlighted aggravating factors such as the home invasion, the disparity in numbers, and the risks posed to other residents within the apartment building.
Further adding to the severity of the incident, Dubitski failed to offer assistance post-shooting and attempted to discard the weapon. Notably, his extensive criminal history, comprising 39 convictions, was cited during the proceedings. The sentencing deliberations referenced various legal frameworks, with the Crown advocating for a 14-year sentence while the defense sought a lesser term.
In evaluating Dubitski’s background, an Indigenous background report detailed his tumultuous upbringing marked by neglect, abuse, and systemic failures. The judge acknowledged these challenges but also underscored Dubitski’s responsibility for his actions. The importance of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and utilizing community support was emphasized, with the judge urging Dubitski to seize the opportunity to positively impact his relationship with his children.
As part of the sentencing, Dubitski was mandated to provide a DNA sample and is subjected to lifelong weapons restrictions and no-contact orders involving multiple individuals.