Life sentence for Drew Reid

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The Hamilton man who stabbed a friend to death on the Red Hill Valley Parkway in 2011 will spend at least 18 years in jail before he gets parole. Drew Reid pleaded guilty to second degree murder almost a year ago but sentencing was delayed until this month because the psychiatrist didn’t have his report ready in time, then the judge didn’t have time to read it, then the defense lawyer had medical issues… it wasn’t until March 13th that a 4-day sentencing hearing actually concluded.

Dustin Padvaiskas was 21 years old in November 2011, when morning commuters saw his remains near the centre median of the parkway, south of Mount Albion Road. He was later found to have suffered 68 stab wounds. The night before, drivers had seen a bloody man apparently being pursued by another man on the parkway; some thought he had been trying to wave down traffic. A pool of blood was found on a footpath west of the parkway and drops of blood led to where Padvaiskas was found in the middle of the road.

A few days later, police arrested Drew Reid, who was 18 years old at the time. Court heard that after he attacked Padvaiskas on the path, he left but then he returned and renewed the attack when he realized Padvaiskas was still alive.

Neither man had a criminal record, but court heard that Reid was involved with drugs and petty crime. The crown said Reid`s history of violence dates back to when he was in grade one, and she said it continues now, he gets into fights in jail, he doesn`t take his prescription medicine and he hasn`t tried to find help.

Second degree murder carries a life sentence, and the judge agreed with the crown`s submission that Reid should not get parole before he`s served at least 18 years. The defense had been asking for 12 years but the crown argued that the only motive Reid had for the murder, was the sheer thrill of it. She said there is no other explanation.