Sooke Man Given 4 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting of Friend
Justice Jennifer Duncan said the killing showed breathtaking recklessness after the men drank and used cocaine before testing a vest and firearms.
- On May 7, Sooke resident Adam John Steenbergen received a four-year sentence for manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his friend Michael Leier during a bulletproof-vest test.
- After an overnight bender involving alcohol and cocaine, the pair drove to a remote logging road near Diversion Dam on March 12, 2023, to test firearms and bulletproof vests they had used before.
- While wearing the vest, Leier urged, "Don't be a bitch, do it." Steenbergen shot him in the chest with a Polymer 80 firearm, striking him fatally.
- Justice Jennifer Duncan cited "breathtaking recklessness" and intoxication as aggravating factors, while Leier's widow, Heather Leier, described ongoing trauma her family continues to experience three years later.
- Steenbergen apologized in court, stating, "From the bottom of my heart, if I had one second, I would take his spot right now." Defence lawyer Neil Brooks noted he has sought mental health support since the incident.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Sooke man given 4 years in prison for fatal shooting of friend - Creston Valley Advance
Sooke resident Adam John Steenbergen sat hunched over in the prisoner’s dock, looking at the ground as he awaited sentencing for the killing of his friend, a father of two, after the duo tested a bulletproof vest. Earlier this year, Steenbergen pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 12, 2023, death of 42-year-old Michael Leier, as well as two firearms offences. Shortly after Justice Jennifer Duncan entered the courtroom on the afternoon of …
Sooke man given 4 years in prison for fatal shooting of friend - Grand Forks Gazette
Sooke resident Adam John Steenbergen sat hunched over in the prisoner’s dock, looking at the ground as he awaited sentencing for the killing of his friend, a father of two, after the duo tested a bulletproof vest. Earlier this year, Steenbergen pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 12, 2023, death of 42-year-old Michael Leier, as well as two firearms offences. Shortly after Justice Jennifer Duncan entered the courtroom on the afternoon of …
Sooke man given 4 years in prison for fatal shooting of friend - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
Sooke resident Adam John Steenbergen sat hunched over in the prisoner’s dock, looking at the ground as he awaited sentencing for the killing of his friend, a father of two, after the duo tested a bulletproof vest. Earlier this year, Steenbergen pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 12, 2023, death of 42-year-old Michael Leier, as well as two firearms offences. Shortly after Justice Jennifer Duncan entered the courtroom on the afternoon of …
Sooke man given 4 years in prison for fatal shooting of friend - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Sooke resident Adam John Steenbergen sat hunched over in the prisoner’s dock, looking at the ground as he awaited sentencing for the killing of his friend, a father of two, after the duo tested a bulletproof vest. Earlier this year, Steenbergen pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 12, 2023, death of 42-year-old Michael Leier, as well as two firearms offences. Shortly after Justice Jennifer Duncan entered the courtroom on the afternoon of …
Penticton Western News
Sooke man given 4 years in prison for fatal shooting of friend
Sooke resident Adam John Steenbergen sat hunched over in the prisoner’s dock, looking at the ground as he awaited sentencing for the killing of his friend, a father of two, after the duo tested a bulletproof vest. Earlier this year, Steenbergen pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 12, 2023, death of 42-year-old Michael Leier, as well as two firearms offences. Shortly after Justice Jennifer Duncan entered the courtroom on the afternoon of …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
