Deceased/Not Found Canada - Alvin, 66, & Kathy Liknes, 53, Nathan O'Brien, 5, Calgary, 30 Jun 2014 - #20

[news.talk]

What were your personal impressions of DG? Or maybe you can't say, not sure how publication bans work or if you can post your opinion, so no pressure to answer!

He is a very non emotional person.

 

[kittymeow]

What were your personal impressions of DG? Or maybe you can't say, not sure how publication bans work or if you can post your opinion, so no pressure to answer!

He's a pathetic looking man, in my opinion. As news.talk said, he doesn't react much to anything. He didn't look at the crowd at all while I was there. Just looked in the direction of the judge and other officials up front.

 

[JadeSLeuth]

Do I understand correctly that the judge made the decision to upgrade to 1st degree? The Prosecutor did not pursue or request it? If I've got that right, then the case must be very strong and the evidence very solid. CPS (among others) must be thrilled - well, as much as you can be I mean.

 

[greenthumb]

Do I understand correctly that the judge made the decision to upgrade to 1st degree? The Prosecutor did not pursue or request it? If I've got that right, then the case must be very strong and the evidence very solid. CPS (among others) must be thrilled - well, as much as you can be I mean.

http://www.newstalk770.com/2015/05/27/garland-ordered-to-stand-trial-in-deaths-of-obrien-liknes/

This article indicates that charges were upgraded at the request of the Crown.

 

[skinnycat]

With the charges for Nathan's death being upgraded, the prosecutor must have enough evidence to prove that DG knew Nathan was spending the night, prior to DG going to the Liknes's house

I wonder if it came in the way of phone records. Maybe DG had contacted Alvin the day/evening of the garage sale.

I'm really just over joyed that the charge has been upgraded, there will be justice for Nathan, DG will spend the rest of his life in prison,

 

[wendiesan]

Slightly O/T.
Today I read the words of a two year old who had seen her father beaten to death.
"Daddy fought. Daddy cried. Daddy went to sleep."
And my mind jumped to Nathan. Like many other people who have posted on this thread, I cannot imagine AL or KL not trying to protect Nathan, and I can imagine only too well a little boy with a big heart who would try to protect his grandmother and grandfather.
If he had been able to stay hidden, would his victim impact statement be
"Grandpa fought. Grandma cried. Then they went to sleep."

 

[wendiesan]

Transcription: Upgraded Charges
FWIW. Here is my unofficial transcript of two reports regarding the upgrade of charges from second to first degree murder against Douglas Garland.

These transcripts are not connected with any of the parties involved in the production of the story or those people who are part of the story. All errors are my own.


http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Calgary/ID/2668104282/
News Calgary (Late Night) May 27, 2015
CBC Calgary

News Anchor: Kristina Barnes = KB
Alvin Liknes's niece: Barb Beaudry = BB
Reporter: Meghan Grant
Defence Attorney: Kim Ross = KR

KB: Douglas Garland will stand trial on three charges of first degree murder. That decision from a Calgary judge today upgrading the charge he will face in connection to the death of five year old Nathan O'Brien. Meghan Grant has the details.

MG: After seven days of evidence, a sudden, quick decision from the judge this afternoon.

KR: The proceedings the last couple of weeks was just a preliminary inquiry. and the threshold test on a preliminary is very low, so we were anticipating that this matter will be going to trial, and it will proceed to trial now.

MG: Douglas Garland will stand trial for three counts of first degree murder. He's accused of killing Alvin and Kathy Liknes and their grandson, five year old Nathan O'Brien, on June 30th, last year.

Their bodies were never found despite massive searches that lasted weeks and covered numerous areas across, even outside the city.

Garland had business dealings with Alvin Liknes, and a sister lived with Alvin's son. Family members have said there was bad blood between the two men.

BB: It was awful. He's a monster.

MG: Barb Beaudry's uncle was Alvin Liknes. The family is cautiously pleased at this step in the court process.

BB: First degree is better, you know, but I wish he'd just pled guilty and not have to go through it all. Again.

MG: The witnesses, their evidence from this preliminary inquiry is protected by a publication ban. Garland remained emotionless, but engaged, throughout the hearing often taking notes.

BB: I think he needs to know that, you know, we're watching. It doesn't, doesn't bring anybody back, but, you know, my cousins just wanted you guys to know that they've had wonderful support from family, and the public, and friends. And, and that doesn't bring anyone back, but it makes it a little more tolerable.

MG: It's unclear how long this trial will be. Some estimates put it between six and eight weeks. Ross is hopeful it will be set for some time in 2016. The matter is back in court on July 31st. At that time, the trial date could be set. Maggie Grant. CBC News. Calgary.

#########################################################
http://globalnews.ca/news/2021062/d...l-for-murders-of-calgary-couple-and-grandson/

News Hour Calgary - Douglas Garland to stand trial for murders of Calgary couple and grandson
May 27, 2015 2:43
Alvin Liknes's niece: Barb Beaudry = BB
Reporter: Nancy Hixt
Defence Attorney: Kim Ross = KR

NH: Barb Beaudry, along with the rest of the Liknes and O'Brien families, has been on an emotional roller coaster for nearly a year. Beaudry has been attending the preliminary inquiry for Douglas Garland, the man accused of killing her aunt and uncle.

BB: It was awful. He's a monster.

NH: Late Wednesday, a judge ordered 55 year old Garland to stand trial for two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Alvin and Kathy Liknes. The judge also ordered Garland to stand trial for the first degree murder of their grandson, five year old Nathan O'Brien. That's upgraded from the previous charge of second degree murder.

BB: I mean,to me, first degree is better, you know, but I wish he'd just pled guilty and not have to through it all. Again.

NH: Garland's defence lawyer, Kim Ross, is now anticipating a six week trial.

KR: The threshold test on a preliminary is very low so we are anticipating that this matter will be going to trial and we'll proceed to trial now.

NH: For seven days, the prosecution laid out its case against Garland. Often, the details brought the family to tears. The hearing is protected by a publication ban.

Nathan and his grandparents were last seen June 29th, 2014. Nathan had stayed at the Liknes home for a sleepover. The next day, his mother went to pick him up, but no one was home. At the time, police said evidence at the house suggested the disappearance might be suspicious. Days later, police issued a photo of a truck seen in the area of the Liknes home when they disappeared. Garland was known to drive a truck matching that description. For weeks, investigators scoured an acreage east of Airdrie where Garland lived with his parents.

Alvin Liknes and Garland were known to have business dealings in the past that ended badly.

A trial date is expected to be set July 31st. It is anticipated a trial will be at least 12 to 18 months after that. In the meantime, family is trying to cope as best as they can.

BB: Well, my cousins just wanted you guys to know that they've had wonderful support from family, and the public, and friends. And, and that doesn't bring anyone back, but it makes it a little more tolerable and bearable, I guess.

NH: Garland will appear in Queen's Bench Court at the end of July to be arraigned on three counts of first degree murder. At that time, a trial date will likely be set for late 2016 or early 2017.

 

[YYC Lady]

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local...-obrien-and-grandparents-remembered-with-love

One year later...still so heartbreaking.

 

[wendiesan]

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local...-obrien-and-grandparents-remembered-with-love One year later...still so heartbreaking.

I have so much admiration for the O'Briens in dealing with their devastating loss in a way that will make sure their wonderful little boy's name will always be remembered and linked with friendship, generosity, and fun.

 

[LoisLane]

The article does confirm a bloody crime scene. I spent many months hoping that not having that confirmation could mean something less tragic happened and the possibility that Nathan was spared and other far fetched theories.

Such a horrifying tragedy that will forever be in my thoughts. The O'brien's are truly inspiring and wonderful for how they are carrying on.

 

[wendiesan]

An article by Damien Wood of the Calgary Sun paints a very sympathetic picture of the good work done in Nathan's memory by his loving parents and the people who support them. It also hints at the way these two people, though bereft of their son and JO's mother and stepfather, face their sorrows, and continue to love their two sons, helping their family find the beauty that still exists in the world. I can't believe it's been a year, and this story is still bringing me to tears.

http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/06/3...of-their-lost-little-boy-is-a-beautiful-thing

“Max especially, who is Nathan’s two-year-old brother, got to spend a very limited time knowing Nathan and this foundation and everything that we do in honour of Nathan are things that Nathan loved to do,” Jennifer said. “It allows us to continue to talk about Nathan on a daily basis. And it allows our children to get involved in supporting other children in honour of Nathan ... It’ll keep Nathan’s spirit alive for the rest of our lives and continue on through theirs....
“We’re still raising children and we’re still living and we have to continue on. Those are things that we try to focus on,” Jennifer said. “It doesn’t mean that we don’t have our low days and lots of them but we can still find the beauty in this world and that’s helpful to us.”
Rod said, “We really miss our family.”

 

[otto]

Nathan's parents are hosting many sports based activities. I think the next one is a decathlon in Springbank. They said that they think about Nathan every day, and that he is helping them make decisions for the fundraising charity - the work they do in his memory. Did I read somewhere that Jennifer was offered a salary by the NC financier for managing the charity? Was Rod? I'm sure that Max and Luke have an equal voice in investing the charity interest. Just realized that the man with the money has taken quite a hit with the drop in the Canadian dollar since the time that the fund was established.

 

[wendiesan]

Nathan's parents are hosting many sports based activities. I think the next one is a decathlon in Springbank. They said that they think about Nathan every day, and that he is helping them make decisions for the fundraising charity - the work they do in his memory. Did I read somewhere that Jennifer was offered a salary by the NC financier for managing the charity? Was Rod? I'm sure that Max and Luke have an equal voice in investing the charity interest. Just realized that the man with the money has taken quite a hit with the drop in the Canadian dollar since the time that the fund was established.

You may very well be right re $ drop, but, IMO, million dollar donor has some very good karma coming back to him.

 

[otto]

You may very well be right re $ drop, but, IMO, million dollar donor has some very good karma coming back to him.

It has good karma. Each of the hosted events is raising money. The last one was something like $57k.

 

[wendiesan]

I think you're right. The kids and adults who participate benefit on the day of the events, their families and friends come together to support them in the spirit of camaraderie. Other children benefit later. IMO, the O'Briens are confronting the darkness and pain that took away their precious family members with love. Their love of their precious Nathan, and of Alvin and Kathy Liknes, is being increased exponentially. I think their work is healing many hearts. Not the least of which are those of Nathan's classmates, his teammates, his teachers, his friends, his fellow Sunday School students. These events allow every child who felt powerless in the face of the violence visited on this little boy, something they could actually do to help remember Nathan. Every adult who wanted to, could contribute to the success of an event. It seems to me that the O'Briens are truly transforming the pain of their loss into a celebration of their little boy and a celebration of the joy and energy to be found in all children.

 

[otto]

I think you're right. The kids and adults who participate benefit on the day of the events, their families and friends come together to support them in the spirit of camaraderie. Other children benefit later. IMO, the O'Briens are confronting the darkness and pain that took away their precious family members with love. Their love of their precious Nathan, and of Alvin and Kathy Liknes, is being increased exponentially. I think their work is healing many hearts. Not the least of which are those of Nathan's classmates, his teammates, his teachers, his friends, his fellow Sunday School students. These events allow every child who felt powerless in the face of the violence visited on this little boy, something they could actually do to help remember Nathan. Every adult who wanted to, could contribute to the success of an event. It seems to me that the O'Briens are truly transforming the pain of their loss into a celebration of their little boy and a celebration of the joy and energy to be found in all children.

Yet, there are people who live in their neighbourhood who are not involved in the sports charity, the fundraising events, or the mourning of Nathan. Nathan's parents have connections through Cenovus (a company that just sold oil/land rights to the Ontario Teacher's Pension ???) but we have yet to see if the fundraising venture takes hold. One year is not enough, although the charity has strong support in the hockey community. I don't think the cycling event got off the ground. We'll see how the decathlon works out ... money maker for the US based charity? ... providing sports money to the underprivileged children of Calgary - the city with the highest salaries in the country? This charity is competing with existing initiatives that provide underprivileged children with all the equipment a child needs to be a sports star.

 

[YYC Lady]

http://calgaryherald.com/news/crime...conclude-missing-boy-grandparents-likely-dead

Wow, way more detail than has ever been released before.
I feel so bad for JO, what a terrible scene to come upon. :-(

 

[LoriMcA]

Just going through the latest news....I remember when we all started following this case a year ago....has it really been a year? Now we have a bit clearer picture with today's news...my gawd...my heart hurts for JO...I cannot imagine walking in that morning... :'(

Here are some links with today's articles...what I could find so far...

http://globalnews.ca/news/2091393/p...y-murdered-within-1st-hours-of-investigation/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...-found-bloody-scene-at-liknes-house-1.3137781

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/c...g-calgary-5-year-old-grandparents-likely-dead

 

[wendiesan]

Just going through the latest news....I remember when we all started following this case a year ago....has it really been a year? Now we have a bit clearer picture with today's news...my gawd...my heart hurts for JO...I cannot imagine walking in that morning... :'(

Here are some links with today's articles...what I could find so far...

http://globalnews.ca/news/2091393/p...y-murdered-within-1st-hours-of-investigation/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...-found-bloody-scene-at-liknes-house-1.3137781

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/c...g-calgary-5-year-old-grandparents-likely-dead

I know what you mean.

 

[otto]

There's the answer ... bloody drag marks from the side door to the parking pad (the stain was not caused by garbage, and bodies were not taken out via the back fence).

"The affidavit noted blood droplets in the main floor kitchen and at the foot of stairwell leading to the second floor. From there, Matthes observed “a significant amount of blood” on the stairs and the wall next to them.

In a guest bedroom upstairs, Matthes found blood on the head of the bed and neighbouring nightstand. When the officer walked down the hallway to the master bedroom, he observed the same thing.

“Cst. Matthes noted that in both bedrooms the linens from both beds had been pulled off the mattresses but were still in the rooms and lying on the floor,” Sweet wrote.

The officer followed bloody drag marks that went from the upper floor, down the stairs and out a side door.

“The bloody drag marks then continued north on the outside of the house and stopped in front of the attached single garage, where a pool of blood was also noted,” the affidavit stated.

“Inside the garage Cst. Matthes observed two dumbbells in front of the parked vehicle and noted that one of the dumbbells appeared to have blood on it.”

http://calgaryherald.com/news/crime...conclude-missing-boy-grandparents-likely-dead