Former 'Riverdale' actor who killed mom given life sentence, no parole eligibility for 14 years
A young B.C. actor who fatally shot his mother in their Squamish home has been sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 14 years.
Ryan Grantham, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for pulling the trigger on March 31, 2020.
Justice Kathleen Ker handed down the sentence in a Vancouver courtroom Tuesday, three months after Grantham's sentencing hearing was wrapped up.
Defence lawyer Chris Johnson said his client was not surprised by the sentencing.
"I think he anticipated what the judge gave him as a sentence," Johnson said. "I think he's pretty apprehensive about the whole thing. He's a fairly tiny person, and to go to the prison system, I'm sure it's a daunting and scary thought for him."
Ker also noted Grantham's "diminutive" size and wanted it in the record that she recommend he doesn't get sent to a maximum security prison. Johnson said it will be up to B.C. Corrections to decide.
Grantham, who had a one-time role on the Netflix series "Riverdale" loosely based on Archie Comics, was grappling with depression, isolation and excessive cannabis use at the time of the killing, the court had heard.
The court heard he was procrastinating in his studies at Simon Fraser University and had not been acting in a while, and he'd rationalized his actions because he didn't want his mother to see what he perceived as his failings.
Barbara Waite, 64, was playing the piano when Grantham fired one shot. He then lit some candles, hung rosaries over the piano and prayed before leaving their home for more bloodshed, the court heard.
Grantham had plans of mass murder with thoughts of killing people at SFU and the Lions Gate Bridge.
One of his targets was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He had a printed map of Rideau Cottage in Ottawa and was on his way there, before turning around in Hope and driving to Vancouver police headquarters to surrender.
His defence team said Grantham has been working on his mental health by attending classes and counselling.
Justice Ker urged him to continue on that path.
"I won't sugar coat it, this will be hard," she said. "As you go forward, continue on your path of treatment, remain true to the commitment you told me (during the sentencing hearing) about bettering yourself."
He will be eligible for parole on April 1, 2034, exactly 14 years from when he was first detained.
An online filmography for Grantham shows his acting career started in 2007 with roles in TV movies. His credits also include "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "iZombie" and "Supernatural."
His last acting role was on "Riverdale," in which he played a teenage boy who took his father's truck without permission and accidentally killed main character Archie Andrews’ father, Fred. The episode centred around the fatal hit-and-run is a tribute to actor Luke Perry, who'd died of a stroke earlier in the year.
A second-degree murder conviction carries with it a life sentence with parole ineligibility for 10 to 25 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.