Ontario mother receives son’s remains more than five years after his killing

The plea deal reached in late July, just months before their first-degree murder trial was set to begin, has outraged many in the city, including police Chief Robert Keetch, who has said he will meet with the Attorney General’s office soon to discuss the “problems” with the case.

Hallam’s remains were cremated on Wednesday and his ashes will soon be combined with the ashes of his torso, which was cremated shortly after he died.

It took police months to find Hallam’s head and feet, which, according to the agreed statement of facts, were wrapped in garbage bags and tossed in a dumpster in early January 2011. The investigation led police to a landfill across the border in Michigan.

Keetch told The Canadian Press last week that it took his force three months to excavate and scour garbage at a cost of $1 million to find Hallam’s head and feet. His hands have never been found.

Sandra Hallam is appreciative of the outpouring of support from the community. She said her son’s friends will soon be holding a spaghetti dinner in his honour, while a local funeral home will provide a free public service for him on Aug. 20 and a free private burial two days later.

“Excellent, excellent people,” Sandra Hallam said.

“I just don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I don’t want it to be about me, but about the injustice done here, I don’t want any sympathy, that’s all, but I do appreciate their kindness.”

Lisa Damignani, who owns the funeral home, said she is covering the cost of the service and burial because “no mother should have to go through” what Sandra Hallam through.

“I am a mother and this is just devastating,” she said.

Liam Casey, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Ontario mother receives son’s remains more than five years after his killing

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