Orillia man sentenced to additional prison time for manslaughter in fist fight-turned-stabbing

Orillia man Christopher Scully was sentenced to additional prison time for claiming the life of Fabian Crawford in 2023.

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The family of Fabian Crawford left the Barrie courthouse in tears, angry his killer would be released from prison in four years.

Crawford, 48, was stabbed by Christopher Scully, now 56, on Crawford’s Ramara Township property on Nov. 11, 2023, after a fist fight over repairs to a truck parked on the rural property along County Road 169.

Scully was initially charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in July.

Crawford’s mother, Ruth Perry, couldn’t contain her disdain following the sentencing. “They have got more compassion for the criminal than they do for the victim and their families. It is just a sad world we live in, I tell you.”

The court heard Scully, who claimed Crawford had attacked him, pulled out a knife out after the two got into a fist fight and stabbed Crawford once in the abdomen, piercing his liver.

Crawford died in his partner’s arms.

Scully was arrested shortly after police arrived. The defence argued he had defended himself but used excessive force, ultimately taking the life of the father of two girls.

“He was a great son. He was a great dad,” Perry said of her son. “He was a hard worker, he loved his children, and it is just sad he’ll never see them grow up, never see them graduate, get married, have children. He will never be a grandfather.”

Justice Michelle Fuerst sentenced Scully to seven years and six months in prison, less time served in pre-sentence custody. Scully was credited with three years behind bars leaving him with about four years and five months to serve behind bars.

The Crown sought an eight-year sentence while the defence asked for five years less time served.

Lawyer Chris Hanson told the court Scully suffered a concussion and his brain injury affected his thinking that day.

The judge was not convinced, saying there was no evidence presented to the court that Scully’s concussion impacted his cognitive functioning the way the defence asserted. Fuerst said Scully had the presence of mind to hide the six-inch hunting knife he used to kill Crawford and toss another knife he had on him.

Crawford’s loved ones said justice has not been served as they mark a third Christmas without him.

“I haven’t even done Christmas this year,” said his mother. “There’s no decorations, no nothing, and he gets out in four years, my son can never ever come back.”

Upon his release, Scully is banned from having weapons on him for life.