My brother, Michael Patriquen, was an avid body builder, father, animal lover and the most genuine person I’ve ever met; the true definition of someone willing to give the shirt off their back. Michael was always known for his strong whit, contagious laugh and ability to make others smile. 

11/11/08 he was set up by his “friend”, Sergio Bowers, he was shot, robbed and left for dead at our family home over a gold chain that was never obtained by the sociopaths that tried to murder him. 
Michael miraculously survived the gunshot wound 1cm from his heart, but was left quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair leaving him with only limited mobility of his left arm.

Sergio took a plea deal by confessing he called Mykel Smith as the hitman and was given a short sentence of time to serve and has been back in the community for over 10 years— despite leaving another man paralyzed (and shot his dog) a few years prior to my brother.

Mykel was 17 at the time, with multiple prior arrests for other violent offences (including shootings) and was given the maximum time possible for “attempted” murder, despite it being premeditated and shot to kill. He has officially finished his sentence and is able to begin his future in Quebec at the age of 31.

My brother died February 18th, 2023, due to the injuries and illnesses succumbed by this shooting. He was never given a second chance to walk, drive or live a day of his life without nursing care. 

Michael was given a life sentence to a wheelchair 11/11/08 which tragically ended this year. The perpetrators that committed this callous crime are both in the community with a full life ahead of them. 

Why is it a shooter is given a lesser sentence by missing his target? Mykel Smith approached our front door with a bandana concealing his face and shot my brother point blank in the chest— he and Sergio then proceeded to jump on top of him to remove his bracelet and left him to die in our entry way. Michael was able to pick up his phone and dial 911 which is why he survived.

Something needs to change regarding attempted murder charges and sentencing; if someone plans and attempts to take another’s life, why aren’t they sentenced the same as they would be if their shot were more precise? Because my brother survived, the maximum sentence to be implemented was 14 years. Had he have died (immediately), a life sentence could have been the outcome. 

Michael never got a second chance, why do they?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/teen-shooter-sentenced-to-14-years-1.956625