Man who attacked sheriffs, threatened court gets five years for Edmonton homeless shelter killing

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Stanley Jago’s outbursts have become notorious at the Edmonton Law Courts.

During his manslaughter trial for killing a man at a homeless shelter, Jago threatened court participants, told people in the gallery — including the victim’s sister — that he didn’t do it, and even threw a punch at a pair of sheriffs.

On Friday, though, Jago sat quietly as the judge read his sentence.

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Court of King’s Bench Justice Anna Loparco sentenced Jago to five years in prison, saying she hopes the time behind bars, plus probation, will lead to Jago getting help for his undiagnosed mental illness.

“You are young,” she told Jago, 33. “You can transform your life, and I’m hopeful you will make wise decisions.” 

Jago was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Thomas Gignac, who Jago attacked while staying at Hope Mission’s Herb Jamieson shelter in January 2022. 

The two were among 50 men sleeping on mats in the centre’s sobering room, which had no direct supervision apart from a pair of security cameras.

Gignac, who was intoxicated and in poor health, used the washroom and stumbled while returning to his mat. Jago awoke and saw Gignac nearby with his pants around his ankles.

Believing he was being taunted or “punked” by other residents, Jago shouted at Gignac to go away. Gignac tried to retreat while pulling up his pants, but he didn’t move fast enough, and Jago kicked and punched him repeatedly in the head.

When the blows failed to move Gignac along, Jago attacked again. Gignac suffered a fatal seizure. When he stopped moving, Jago appeared distressed and went to find help. Shelter staff arrived about 10 minutes later, followed by medical staff about 15 minutes after that.

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Loparco noted the amount of time it took for Gignac to get help, but did not ascribe “any blame to the Hope Mission.”

Jago “clearly did not intend or anticipate” that his attack would kill Gignac, but he was nevertheless “reckless” as to whether he caused him serious injury, Loparco said. She credited him for remaining at the scene and seeking help. But she noted he nonetheless attacked Gignac twice, despite having time to cool off.

Violence is “common” at shelters and Jago had a “bad experience of a sexual nature” on a previous stay, Loparco added. The room where the attack occurred was small, with little personal space, making it easy to imagine why someone in Jago’s position would feel on edge. 

Loparco’s main priority in sentencing Jago was to ensure he was treated for the paranoia, psychosis, and delusional thinking he displayed in court. Jago also has a history of exposing himself and was on probation at the time of Gignac’s killing for committing an indecent act, she said.

Jago was assessed while in remand, but a psychiatrist was unable to settle on a specific diagnosis. 

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Ensuring Jago gets treatment is “the key to the long-term protection of society,” Loparco said. The Crown sought 5 1/2 years in prison, while defence lawyer Alexander Brophy asked for four years, which would have seen Jago released on time served. Loparco said additional jail time is needed so Jago can start treatment in a secure environment.

Jago has been in jail since the attack and earned the standard 1 1/2 days’ credit for each day spent in remand. With that credit, he has just under a year left in custody.

Jago will then be subject to probation for two years, which will include residency, reporting, and treatment requirements.

Loparco concluded by offering condolences to Gignac’s sister, who listened to the proceedings by video conference.

“I hope that with time, your pain will lessen,” the judge said.

Manslaughter carries the widest range of sentences in the Criminal Code. There is no minimum punishment unless a firearm is used, while the maximum sentence is life in prison.

jwakefield@postmedia.com

x.com/jonnywakefield

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