‘Never forget his name. Never forget his face.’ – Stepdad sentenced to six years in jail after accidentally killing his stepson

A man who accidentally shot his stepson was sentenced to six years in jail, in a Winnipeg court on July 30.

Cory Davis, 45, pleaded guilty to criminal negligence and breaching his weapon prohibition for shooting and killing Dylan Jones, who was 27.

“Never forget his name. Never forget his face. He had nothing but love for you,” said Nathan Jones, Dylan’s brother.

“It’s an accident that didn’t have to happen,” said Judge Robin Finlayson. “This truly is a tragedy.”

Dylan was visiting his mother Sally Davis and stepfather Cory’s townhouse home in Blumenort on Aug. 1, 2023.

Dylan and Cory consumed alcohol and marijuana throughout the day, court heard.

Sally went out to smoke a cigarette at 7:45 p.m., then she heard a loud bang from the house.

Crown attorney Kristee Logan said Dylan was showing his replica pistol to Cory, then Cory showed Dylan a shotgun in a closet. Cory did not check if the gun was loaded.

Court heard Cory was not allowed to have firearms at the time, yet he had the gun for protection.

Logan said Dylan reached for the gun and Cory said, ‘don’t do that,’ so Cory pulled the gun back and it went off.

Cory said his finger was not on the trigger and everything happened in a split second, said Logan in court.

The “close-range” shot hit Dylan in his right hip, damaging his femoral artery and killing him.

“This horrible tragedy is one of the reasons why we have such strong gun laws in this country,” said Logan.

Sally ran to the bedroom and saw Dylan on the floor as Cory was crying and saying he accidentally shot Dylan, court heard. He called 911 and was distraught during the call. He was performing CPR on Dylan while waiting for authorities to arrive.

Police arrived around 8 p.m. and found Dylan dead in a pool of blood. Cory was arrested on scene and was ordered not to contact Sally, court heard.

“All I can see is my son’s blood draining from his face,” wrote Sally, which Crown attorney Jennifer Neufeld read to court.

Court heard from Aug. 8 to 9, 2023, Cory called Sally 20 times, and again from March 2024 to Feb. 12, 2024, he called her 90 times—breaching his order.

Many people from Dylan’s family wrote victim impact statements.

“I keep replaying everything in my mind,” said Chanel Jones, Dylan’s cousin. “He (Dylan) was taken by someone we trusted. Someone we welcomed into our lives.”

“I keep everyone at a distance because if someone we thought we knew so well does this, how can I ever feel safe again?” said Chanel.

Cory plead guilty to his charges on Oct. 31, 2024.

“His smile was contagious. His presence made people feel safe and loved… He loved Cory,” said Dallas Jones, Dylan’s cousin.

“Seeing Dylan in a casket was the worst moment of my life,” said Dallas. “He had dreams. He had futures. All of that was taken from him.”

Defemce lawyer Saheel Zaman said Cory’s bad decisions are haunting him to this day. Cory has PTSD and has difficulty sleeping.

Logan and Zaman jointly recommended a sentence of six years in custody for Cory.

Court heard police found two bullets were loaded in the shot gun, one in Dylan, and one unfired. Police also found more ammunition in the closet tucked between folded clothing.

“I just want you guys to know I’m sorry. Maybe someday you’ll forgive me. I hope you’ll find it in your hearts,” said Cory.

Judge Finlayson sentenced Cory to six years in custody but will be reduced to three years due to credit for his time served. He also has a lifetime weapons prohibition.