Final sentencing in 2022 Sault murder, family reacts

In January 2022, 53-year-old Elmer Tangie was brutally attacked at a residence on the 400 block of Second Line West in Sault Ste. Marie. The details of that night were laid bare in court on Wednesday during the sentencing hearing for Brendan Wyatt, the third and final man charged in connection with Tangie’s death.

A brutal crime: The night Elmer Tangie was killed

Court heard that Tangie was beaten, stabbed, bound, and given a lethal “hot shot” – a drug injection designed to simulate an overdose. A postmortem examination later confirmed that his death resulted from the combined effects of the assault and a pre-existing heart condition.

Wyatt sentenced to 3 years

Thirty-year-old Brendan Wyatt pleaded guilty to one count each of accessory after the fact to manslaughter and possession of crystal methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking. Justice Edward Gareau, while acknowledging Wyatt’s role in the crime, noted that his involvement was “not as egregious as the other two” and that he was the “least culpable of the three.”

Before sentencing, Wyatt addressed the court, stating, “I’m sorry for the actions that took place that day,” and expressing that he was “deeply remorseful” for the pain caused to Tangie’s family. He also linked his four-page criminal record to struggles with addiction and a troubled past, sharing his hopes of pursuing education after his release.

Wyatt received a three-year sentence to be served concurrently for both charges. With time already spent in custody, he has 507 days remaining, with an expected release in November 2026. Justice Gareau also imposed a lifetime firearm prohibition, a no-contact order with the victim’s family during his sentence, and recommended drug rehabilitation.

Calling the case a “tragic, and senseless loss in the life of a family man,” Gareau concluded the hearing.

Family’s anguish: ‘He gets 3 years, we get a lifetime’

Nine members of Tangie’s family attended the sentencing, including his cousin, Bev Tangie, who expressed frustration with the sentence.

“He gets 3 years, we get a lifetime,” she said. “Wyatt said in court that he was remorseful – do I believe that? Not entirely. No. And he wants all these aspirations for himself, for healing and to go to school. But my cousin’s never going to see that. He’s never going to see his own kids graduate from college or his grandchildren reach milestones in their lives.”

A long road to justice: ‘Our healing can start now’

Elmer’s aunt, Chris Venedam, shared the family’s exhaustion after attending court “about 10 times” throughout the legal proceedings for the three accused.

“It’s been taxing, especially on my sister and Elmer’s sister,” she said. “You have to listen to the same thing over and over. Now that it’s finally over, the grieving can properly start. Our healing can start now. It’s been really hard on the family for sure.”

Remembering Elmer: A ‘gentle giant’ lost too soon

Those who loved Elmer Tangie described him as a “gentle giant” – a man who cherished his family, loved making people laugh, and was always there to help. His absence leaves a void, especially for his grandchildren, who will grow up without his warmth and guidance.

As the legal chapter closes, his family now faces the difficult journey of healing from an irreplaceable loss.