A Shilo soldier pleaded guilty in a Brandon courtroom Monday morning for the killing of a 21-year-old man two years ago.
Jason Ouimet was accused of killing Duane Lacquette in Brandon in January 2010.
On Monday, Ouimet pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter. He was originally charged with second-degree murder, but that was downgraded under a plea deal.
The Crown agreed to the manslaughter charge saying it's consistent with the case in which Ouimet alleged he was provoked in some way. The Crown said it could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ouimet killed Lacquette without being provoked.
Police said Lacquette died from blunt-force trauma to his upper body and was found in the basement of his Brandon home.
The victim's family members said they're disappointed with the court case.
"We were just hoping for justice, true justice, that's what we were hoping for," said Eugene Lacquette, the victim's uncle.
Family described Duane Lacquette as a loving person, who was well liked and hard working, holding down two jobs prior to his death.
Relatives said they're still struggling to cope with the loss.
"Not being able to see him smile at us, joke with us, talk with us," said Eugene Lacquette.
Ouimet is still out of custody after having been granted bail in February 2010.
A spokesperson for CFB Shilo said his status with the army is under review.
The Lacquette family is now waiting for sentencing to learn what sort of penalty Ouimet will receive. Sentencing has been set for June 7.
While they're hoping for a tough sentence, Lacquette's relatives said nothing can make up for their loss.
- with a report from CTV's Josh Crabb
