‘My life shattered’: court hears from family of Hamilton teen killed at house party

The mother of a 17-year-old girl shot and killed in 2020 told a Hamilton courtroom her life has been shattered as heartfelt victim impact statements were read as one of two men facing charges in her death appeared in court on Tuesday.

It was meant to be a night of fun with friends for Myah Larmond on July 16, 2020, but instead going to a house party on Matthews Avenue would be the last thing she ever did.

At a sentencing hearing for 23-year-old Cadence Beauparlant, Myah’s mother Christine Gramada spoke of the moment her life would be forever changed.

“That is when my life shattered…Myah’s loss has left a big void in my life.”

Beauparlant pleaded guilty last week to the unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm. According to an agreed statement of facts, he brought that loaded handgun to the party.

The gun was then passed around to several people, including Devante Skye-Davis, who the court heard was jokingly pointing the gun at the head of his then-girlfriend Myah when it went off.

READ MORE: Court hears 2 guilty pleas in connection to shooting of 17-year-old in Hamilton

At the hearing, Larmond’s cousin Hannah Rae called the crime “senseless and irresponsible”, while relative Ann Gramada said she is, “not ready to forgive but hopes to one day for my own wellbeing.”

The crown is seeking a five-year sentence for Beauparlant, in addition to the nearly four-year sentence he is currently serving time for drug-related offences.

In a sentencing submission, the crown says Larmond would still be alive had the accused not brought the gun and allowed for it to be passed around, knowing it was loaded.

“It was so reckless and so uncaring for what the outcome might be.”

The sentencing for Beauparlant is set to continue on Thursday, while Skye-Davis will return to court on May 3 for a charge of manslaughter that he has pleaded guilty to.

WATCH MORE: Man charged with manslaughter in death of teen: Hamilton Police