Family of young man killed in hit and run hope sentencing finally brings 'a bit of closure'

The family of Blade Crow-Pantherbone, who was killed in a hit and run in February 2021, say they feel as though justice has now been served after the accused, Damon Wilson, 32, pleaded guilty, showed remorse and was sentenced to four years, eight months in jail on Monday.

Crow-Pantherbone, 21, was standing on a raised traffic island with his girlfriend Aliyah Ramirez-Bernard, and her 13-month-old daughter, Ember, who was in a stroller, waiting to cross the street near Chinook Centre mall in Calgary.

Wilson was speeding along Macleod Trail in the designated turn lane, but rather than turning, proceeded to drive into the three pedestrians, killing Crow-Pantherbone and sending the other two to hospital in life-threatening condition, according to the agreed statement of facts.

Wilson fled the scene but was arrested a short time later at a nearby restaurant.

In court, he broke down in tears while he read out an apology to Crow-Pantherbone's family and Ramirez-Bernard.

"I'm truly sorry for all I've brought upon you, Aliyah … and all I've taken away," said Wilson.

"No apology is appropriate except for my incarceration," he continued.

Outside court, Crow-Pantherbone's mom says hearing and seeing Wilson show remorse helps, a little. Pantherbone and several others were wearing black T-shirts in court that read "Justice for Blade."

"It's not enough years for taking a life and for injuries that won't heal," said Lorna Pantherbone, Blade's mother, "but I think there's been justice for [Blade]."

'Tragic beyond words'

Justice Mark Tyndale accepted the joint sentencing submission provided by the Crown and defence. 

He was given a four-year, eight-month sentence for the fatal hit and run, and another four months for unrelated charges, including failing to attend court, break and enter, and obstruction of justice, bringing the total sentence to five years.

With credit for time served in pretrial custody, Wilson has three years and four months left on his sentence.

They also requested Wilson receive a five-year driving ban following his release, to which Tyndale agreed.

"This whole situation, frankly, is tragic beyond words, the loss of this promising young man and his family, cannot be made up by anything that I do in court today," said Tyndale.

Tyndale added: "On the other hand, we have a young man with no prior criminal record whose life will be forever changed by my sentence today."

He said the aggravating circumstances were clear. He said Wilson was driving dangerously in a busy part of town, near a mall, swarming with pedestrians. 

He said Wilson failed to make a right hand turn in a clearly marked lane, mounting the triangular island, striking the young family, then fled the scene, calling it a cowardly act.

But Tyndale noted that Wilson offered a guilty plea, saving significant court resources, and expressed "genuine remorse."

Looking for closure

Ramirez-Bernard said she worries Wilson will forget the pain he's caused after he serves his sentence, while she and Ember won't be able to.

"I still live with pains everyday but some days are easier than others," said Ramirez-Bernard.

Ramirez-Bernard broke both femurs and her pelvis, suffered a collapsed lung, as well as a concussion, according to the agreed statement of facts. It also says Ember required a number of surgeries to repair her skull.

Crow-Pantherbone's mom hopes she can move forward now the sentence has been delivered.

"It's not hanging over us anymore. It's hard to move on, but I think it's time to (have) a bit of closure."