Vernon, British Columbia – Edward Coghill and Stewart Tkachuk were sentenced by B.C. Supreme Court Justice John Gibb-Carsley to significant jail time for their involvement in a violent home invasion in Lumby in September 2019. Although both men expressed remorse for their actions and were deemed as potential candidates for rehabilitation, they each received substantial sentencing for their roles in the crime.
Coghill, aged 50, and Tkachuk, aged 53, were both sentenced to 11 years on multiple charges, all to be served concurrently. Tkachuk received an additional year to be served consecutively for possessing a firearm while prohibited. The total global sentence for Tkachuk amounts to 3,930 days in prison, while Coghill received a total of 3,775 days.
The charges against the pair included break-and-enter to a house to commit robbery, discharging a firearm with intent to wound, wearing facemasks with intent to commit an indictable offense, unlawful confinement, and aggravated assault. Both men were also handed lifetime firearms bans, no-contact orders with the victims, and were required to provide DNA samples.
During the sentencing hearing, Gibb-Carsley emphasized the lasting impact of the crime on the victims’ lives. He urged both men to use their time in custody to focus on rehabilitation and sobriety, hoping that they would not have any further encounters with the criminal justice system.
The court heard how Coghill and Tkachuk entered a home shared by James Jurica and Candace Kado, wearing masks and carrying shotguns. The violent invasion resulted in Jurica and Kado sustaining gunshot wounds, with Jurica being shot multiple times in the chest, stomach, and hip.
Coghill and Tkachuk restrained the victims with zip ties, ransacked the house, and fled with stolen items including cash, bicycles, a television, jewelry, and a truck. The planning and deliberation of the home invasion were evident through cellphone messages exchanged between the accused.
Despite his criminal history, Coghill’s efforts to remain drug-free since 2020 were noted by the judge. Tkachuk, who battles bone cancer, has a significant criminal record, including prior convictions related to assault and drug offenses.
Both men expressed regret for their actions on the night of the invasion, with the judge considering them as favorable candidates for rehabilitation. Gibb-Carsley acknowledged Kado’s heroic actions during the ordeal and commended Jurica’s bravery in attempting to defend himself and his partner in the face of danger.
Jurica shared emotional testimony in court, highlighting the devastating impact the home invasion had on his life, causing the loss of his relationship and forcing him to leave his cherished home. The sentencing concluded with Coghill being taken into custody, while Tkachuk appeared via video from jail.