The prosecution and the defence argued on how long before Nelson Lugela, the man who murdered Calgary Stampeder Mylan Hicks in 2016, becomes eligible for parole at Calgary Courts Centre, 30th of May, 2019.

Prosecutor Gord Haight appealed that the suspect should be eligible for parole after 17 to 19 years in prison, contrary to the defence’s appeal of 14 years.

Haight said, “A young man who was just starting in life had it cut short.” while Renee Hill, Hicks’ mother, who was sitting on the bench was crying. Hicks’ friends were also present alongside his family, comforting each other.

Mylan Hicks, who was originally from Detroit, Michigan, moved to Canada and played for Calgary Stampeders. He was chasing his dream of making it into the NFL but it was abruptly stopped when he was shot dead by Nelson Lugela, a man he never knew, outside the Marquee Nightclub during a celebration on the night of his team’s victory.

To support his appeal, the crown lawyer went on to numerous details. He said that the nature of the incident was unprovoked and senseless.

A commotion involving Lugela was already brewing on the night of the incident until it finally erupted. Hicks was running away from the incident to which he had entirely nothing to do, but cost him his life nevertheless.

Haight pointed out that Lugela brought the gun on purpose and was anticipating to use it in the occurrence of such event. Additionally, it also caused the other civilians who were present in the scene to suffer psychological trauma.

On the other hand, defence lawyer Alain Hepner argued that his client must be eligible for parole after 14 years. The lawyer pointed out that Lugela’s insufficient cognitive skills must also be taken into account – that the crime was committed not wholly on purpose, but partially because of Lugela’s predetermined poor mental state.

The lawyer went on to detail about Lugela’s academic evaluation during his younger years, stating that Lugela’s mental capability was evaluated as moderately mentally retarded. He also stated the notes of Lugela’s psychiatrist, Dr. George Duska, regarding Lugela’s mental health but as he went on to more detail about that matter, the judge suddenly interrupted.

Court of Queen’s Bench justice Keith Yamaguchi said, “Regardless of the past and the future, I will only look at the facts presented in front of me to come up with the verdict.” He also said that he has already read the doctor’s notes prior to the trial and suggested that the facts be stated rather in a chronological manner.

On the other hand, Hicks’ lawyer stated that Lugela’s deficient cognitive state is only mild as determined by the psychiatrist. Therefore, the crime was done on purpose, deeming Lugela responsible for it.

After the hearing, Hill was at the lobby talking to the media while holding a framed picture of her son. She reminisced the time she had for her son and pondered about going on with their lives as a family.