Ottawa, Canada – A tragic incident shook the local music scene in Ottawa when Markland Campbell, a member of the hip-hop group HalfSizeGiants, was fatally shot while defending his teenage daughter in the ByWard Market on June 7, 2019. The incident occurred on the night the group was set to release their first single in over a decade. Campbell rushed to his daughter’s aid after she reported being harassed by two teenagers and was fatally shot during a confrontation with a group of youths in the crowded market area.
The trial for his murder culminated in Donald Musselman, 18 at the time of the shooting, being found guilty of second-degree murder in Campbell’s death on December 20, 2023. Throughout the trial, Musselman maintained that another teenager in his group was responsible for firing the fatal shots that took Campbell’s life. This other teenager, now 22, also testified in Musselman’s defense, claiming he was the one who shot Campbell.
Despite evidence presented at trial, including the recovery of the gun at Musselman’s home and eyewitness testimony implicating him, his defense team continues to dispute his conviction. The court heard how Musselman’s history of violence was further highlighted with a charge of aggravated assault that later escalated to second-degree murder for an alleged assault on another inmate.
The prosecution argued for a life sentence with an 18-year period of parole ineligibility, while the defense proposed an 11-year period. The sentencing remains pending as the judge is set to issue a decision on May 21. Additionally, Musselman’s upcoming trial for the jailhouse killing of another inmate is scheduled for early 2025, adding to the gravity of his criminal history.
The tragic incident in the ByWard Market and the subsequent legal proceedings have shed light on the complexities of the case, highlighting the devastating impact of senseless violence in the community. As the case unfolds, it serves as a grim reminder of the repercussions of impulsive actions and the importance of upholding justice in the face of tragedy.