After spending more than eight years in jail in connection to a brazen daytime shooting death, Zachary McDermott, 26, was released from custody at the London Courthouse and walked out a free man. His second degree murder trial which got underway last week came to an abrupt end on Tuesday after he decided to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. The Crown told the court that new evidence had come to light in regards to threats and possible firearm involving the victim. On Sept. 12, 2018 after a prior altercation between the victim and the accused, McDermott drove his silver Chevy sedan to a Tim Hortons on Dundas Street East to meet up with 21 year old Christopher Clements-Card. Once Clements-Card saw McDermott, the victim started running towards the coffee shop and was gunned down at the entrance area. He was rushed to hospital where he later died from two gunshot wounds to the back. McDermott fled the scene but was arrested nine days later and had been in custody ever since. Six victim impact statements were read into the court with Clements-Card’s cousin Nicole Barnes saying telling the judge, “Christopher deserved to live. Your Honour Christopher’s life mattered and his death should matter too.” Another cousin, Kendra Ashe told the court, “Today and for the rest of our lives we will continue to mourn his death.” Justice Patricia Moore acknowledged those in court by saying, “This has had a devastating impact on the friends and family of Christopher Clements--Card.” Outside the courthouse, Barnes added, “He (Christopher Clements-Card) is missed by his family every day at every family gathering.” An earlier ban on publication prevented the media from reporting that McDermott was initially charged with first degree murder in this case. The media was also banned from stating that in the summer of 2022, McDermott plead guilty to second degree murder but quickly withdrew that plea and a new trial was ordered with different lawyers This week after the new plea was entered and the jury was dismissed, Justice Moore agreed with both the Crown and the defence that an appropriate sentence is time already served. McDermott, who was 18 at the time of his arrest, has served more than 8 years in custody with much of it being at the Maplehurst Detention Centre in Milton. When the courts take the enhancement into consideration, McDermott has served the equivalent of 12 years behind bars. Before the case wrapped up McDermott addressed the court and said he was remorseful for the pain he has caused saying, “I’m truly sorry, no matter how sorry I am nothing will change and I take full responsibility.” Clements-Card’s family was not pleased with the final outcome with Barnes saying, “We’ve had to endure eight years of delays and adjournments and Mr. McDermott gets to go free and Christopher doesn’t get to live a life.” McDermott was ordered to submit his DNA and is also prohibited from carrying a firearm for life.
