After months of trial, the jury has finally reached a verdict on Dennis Oland’s murder case. On Saturday, Oland was found guilty of second degree murder for the death of his father, Richard Oland.
After hearing the final verdict, Dennis Oland collapsed and sobbed uncontrollably into a chair. He began saying “Oh my God” and “My children”, according to a report from CTV.
The jury took 30 hours to deliberate and after the announcement, emotions started to pour inside the courtroom. The publication shared that Oland’s family members cried and hugged each other while others showed strong disbelief with the verdict.
Connie Oland, Dennis' mother, released a statement following the shocking turn of events. She said: "Our faith in Dennis' innocence has never wavered and the jury's decision has not changed that belief”.
Connie believes that justice will eventually be on their side as they plan to seek other legal options for the time being.
Richard Oland’s death surfaced on July 7, 2011 when his body was found in a pool of blood in his Saint John office -- National Post reported. He was attacked with 45 blunt and sharp force beatings to his head, neck and hands. However, the murder weapon was never found.
Their family is known in the business history of the Maritimes which founded Moosehead Breweries. In 1981, Richard Oland departed the family business.
Due to the lack of evidence, the prosecution relied heavily on motive to make their case. The Crown convinced the jury that Dennis was anxious about finances, while also delayed in paying his father on a half-million dollar loan he owed him. The Globe and Mail has shared the details.
Richard’s affair with Diana Sedlacek, a local real estate agent, also became a point of conflict between the father and son. It has been learned in trial that Dennis “felt guilty” about keeping this from his mother. The prosecution then argued that the financial issues and the affair became a major turning point between Richard and Dennis’ relationship.
The jury recommended that Dennis must spend ten years in custody before getting qualified for parole. The sentencing has been scheduled in February 11.
The lack of murder weapon presented in this case makes the decision of the jury questionable. It will be a challenging run for the defense to appeal the verdict, unless new evidence points to another suspect. At present, Dennis Oland will be facing his life behind bars.
