Mom of slain journalism student decries killer's sentence

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Annie Bergeron was waiting for justice. But she’s learned that’s a fool’s game.

James Galinato, the man who shot her son Olivier Dundas to death for no reason while out with friends on a Saturday night on Jan. 8, 2022, was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter — but was given credit after credit to reduce his term to just three years and eight months remaining to serve.

“Olivier was a bright, funny and empathetic young man. A GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) hockey goalie, he was studying journalism at TMU and dreamt of becoming a sports journalist. He was only 20 years old,” Bergeron said in a statement to the Toronto Sun.

“We are heartbroken that one of the mitigating factors in sentencing was that Olivier had ‘only been shot once,’ when that proved to be more than sufficient. Exactly how many times must a murderer shoot before they can be held fully accountable for their actions?”

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The sentence is a reflection of a society that doesn’t believe in — or wish to fund — lengthy incarceration, she said.

“Victims don’t seek long, vengeful sentences, we seek acknowledgment of the harm done — not only are we denied, we are the ones ultimately put on trial. Our system, so careful not to harm the convicted, freely tramples over us.”

Her victim impact statement was heavily redacted and Bergeron wasn’t able to express how she felt about what she and her family have endured. “In my opinion/experience, the criminal justice process is deeply traumatic to victims and an extension of the harm caused by the murderer.”

She can only hope this chapter is over. Bergeron has no idea if her son’s killer, who has never expressed any remorse, plans to appeal.

mmandel@postmedia.com