Nerland denies racism a factor in shooting

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The following is a statement written by Carney Nerland and read by his lawyer Brian Beresh on CBC radio. This is the statement that Nerland earlier refused to read

to the inquiry into his shooting of Cree trapper Leo LaChance.

I was a part-owner and operator of Northern Pawn and Gun Shop in Prince Albert. My partner was Darwin Bear and our premises were rented by Arnold Katz.

Our general practice was to close the shop around 6 p.m. I was working in and around my shop throughout the day on Jan. 28, 1991. On that date, Gar Brownbridge and Russell Yungwirth were in my shop visiting me.

Approximately 6:15 p.m. an individual entered the shop and started to talk to Brownbridge about selling a rifle. I did not believe that I had ever seen this person before. He remained for a short period of time in the shop and then decided to leave. While he was in the shop, he spoke only to Mr. Brownbridge. While he was in the shop, nothing insulting or threatening was said to him and the atmosphere was not hostile.

As I was closing the shop, I was checking an M56 7.26 millimetre rifle to make sure it was empty. As I was getting ready to put the gun on the shelf, it accidentally discharged and I do not know where the bullet had gone to. It was my honest belief at that time that the gun was not loaded. I then put the gun away and prepared to close the shop. At no time did I believe that I had struck anyone with the bullet. I did not at any time intend to strike anyone and the discharge of the gun was totally accidental. I was totally surprised to hear the gun discharge.

I am most remorseful that Mr. LaChance was struck by the bullet.. At no time was any of my conduct on that day racially motivated as has been suggested by some people.

After this event, on the first occasion when I met with the police, I did not tell them the truth and I sincerely regret that. After my charge, I did not directly or indirectly do anything to influence the charge or the sentence. My counsel, Earl Kalenith, handled the criminal proceedings for me totally.

Since I was sentenced I have been subjected to numerous death threats. These threats have been made to me personally and they relate to this incident and to this inquiry. As a result of those threats, I do not feel that I can testify at this inquiry as I sincerely fear for my life.

Lawyer Beresh read one final comment from Nerland: "I have every respect for this Commission of Inquiry and have decided not to testify only because I am sincerely fearful for my safety and my life."