Sean Tiessen manslaughter trial begins in Rossland Supreme Court

The manslaughter trial of 47-year-old Sean Tiessen commenced in Rossland Supreme Court on August 11. Tiessen is accused of the death of 33-year-old Joshua Lockwood during an incident in rural Grand Forks on April 16, 2023.

Crown prosecutor Bryan Pankoff stated that the prosecution will argue the force used by Tiessen was neither reasonable nor necessary. The incident reportedly began following an argument between Tiessen and Lockwood, along with Lockwood's girlfriend, Keara Roberts, regarding the treatment of a puppy.

According to the prosecution, Tiessen confronted the couple with a gun and ordered them to leave their shared residence. A gunshot was recorded by a 911 operator while Roberts was on the line. Tiessen later called 911, claiming self-defence and alleging that Lockwood had threatened him with an axe. Tiessen, who had previously failed to appear in court twice, was re-arrested in January.