DAWSON CREEK, B.C. The mayor of Dawson Creek says he is disappointed with the sentence handed to Nolan Schmidt for the fatal shooting of Johnny Joel Freeman, arguing the punishment does not adequately reflect the loss of life.
Dwaine Dilworth said he was disappointed to learn that Justice John Walker sentenced Schmidt to eight-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter in Freeman’s death and five years for the aggravated assault of Brandon Badger. The sentences will be served concurrently.
“I was quite disappointed to hear the sentence,” Dilworth said. “Hats off to the RCMP and the job they did. They were able to bring someone before the court and help bring some closure to the family.”
Concurrent sentencing means the two sentences will be served at the same time opposed to one after the other.
One challenge for the victims’ families is that a single jail sentence could create the perception that there is little distinction in punishment between committing one crime and committing two, despite the offender being found guilty of both.
Dilworth added he believes the sentence is “fairly light” given the circumstances.
The Crown had sought a 12-year sentence, while defence lawyers argued for six years.
Schmidt was sentenced Thursday in B.C. Supreme Court in Dawson Creek after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with Freeman’s death on January 19, 2025.
He also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for shooting Badger later the same evening.
After receiving credit of 33 months time already served in custody, Schmidt has approximately five years and nine months remaining on his sentence. He could be eligible for full parole in 34 month or as early as September 2029.
In his sentencing decision, Walker described the circumstances of both shootings as highly aggravating. The judge cited Schmidt’s decision to leave both scenes without providing assistance and noted the shootings occurred while Schmidt was prohibited from possessing weapons under three separate court orders.
Walker also considered several mitigating factors, including Schmidt’s guilty pleas, expressions of remorse and Indigenous background.
The court heard Schmidt has family ties to Blueberry River First Nations and experienced significant instability throughout his childhood.
Outside the courthouse Thursday, members of Freeman’s family expressed anger and disappointment with the sentence but declined requests for on-camera interviews.
CJDC TV News has contacted the B.C. Prosecution Service to determine whether the Crown intends to appeal the sentence. A response had not been received as of publication time.