(Dreamstime)

By Sheldon Spackman

May 2023 Incident

Man sentenced to eight years in central Alberta homicide

May 15, 2025 | 1:08 PM

A man charged in a central Alberta murder two years ago has been sentenced to eight years in jail.

Boyd Wade Beaverbones, 27, a resident of the O’Chiese First Nation, was sentenced in Red Deer Court of King’s Bench on May 9, 2025, after pleading guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter/use of firearm. He was also given a firearm prohibition.

His sentence will begin following the completion of another sentence Beaverbones is currently serving on an unrelated matter. Beaverbones was sentenced to three years, minus 261 days of pre-trial custody on the unrelated matter on Nov. 5, 2024.

It was on May 8, 2023, when Rocky Mountain House RCMP responded to a report of a shooting on the O’Chiese First Nation. Upon arrival, Mounties say 31-year-old Brett Roan was found deceased. His manner of death was deemed to be a homicide.

According to police, the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit was called in to investigate and an arrest warrant was obtained for Boyd Beaverbones.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

18h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

23h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

Apr 02, 2026

On May 29, 2023, Boyd Beaverbones was arrested on the O’Chiese First Nation. He was originally charged with second-degree murder. That charge was later upgraded to first-degree murder.

Related: Sentencing set for man charged in central Alberta homicide

Related: Central Alberta murder case going to trial

Related: Preliminary hearing scheduled in central Alberta homicide

Related: Arrest made in central Alberta homicide

Related: Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit seek male charged with murder near Rocky Mountain House

Related: Rocky Mountain House RCMP investigate firearms complaints, advise residents to shelter in place