Two more plea deals reached in case of Penticton man killed in 2021

The family of Taig Savage, a 22-year-old Penticton man who was killed in 2021, is facing another setback in the case. Tracey Savage, Taig's mother, expressed shock upon learning that two more accused individuals have reached plea agreements. Taig's body was discovered on the track field at Penticton Secondary School in September 2021.

Initially, four people were charged with second-degree murder, but three of the accused were minors at the time of the killing. On September 4, one of the minors pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Now, the other two minors have also reached plea deals. The maximum sentence for manslaughter under the Youth Criminal Justice Act is three years, while it is seven years for second-degree murder.

Rob Dhanu, a former criminal crown prosecutor, explained that second-degree murder cases are more complex as the Crown needs to prove intent. The Crown may have decided to accept the plea deals as it could be harder to prove intent for all three accused. A publication ban prohibits reporting details from the court proceedings, as Isaac Jack, the only adult accused, has not yet faced trial.

His trial is set for this spring, but Tracey Savage fears that the trial may proceed even if the three plea deals are made. She expressed her hope that the court case would not continue for another year, as she fears it would be the same expression and same face that she has seen in court today.