One of the men involved in the shooting of Yosif Al-Hasnawi walks out of court a free man

21 year old James Matheson was sentenced to 13 months for obstructing justice, but with time served he was released today and will remain on probation for 2 years.

With the sentencing of Matheson, a publication ban was lifted shedding new light on what happened the night of Yosif Al-Hasnawi’s murder.

Long time friends James Matheson and Dale King, who is charged with second degree murder in Yosif’s death, consumed alcohol and meth before heading out on the town.

Just before 9 pm Matheson and King reached Cadillac Jax on Main st east, that’s when they saw an older man who appeared to be drunk 20 feet in front of them. Matheson began mocking him and that caught the attention of a group of young men across the street at the Al Moustafa Islamic centre, including Yosif.

Matheson and King crossed the road to confront Yosif and things took a violent turn. Matheson said King flashed his firearm and Matheson admitted to sucker punching Yosif in the head and struck him several times before running eastbound toward Sanford.

When Matheson and King realized the group caught up with them, Matheson told King to stop running and that they should fight Yosif instead.

According to the statement, it was at this time King turned with his .22 calibre firearm and shot Yosif.

The paramedics left the 19 year old lying on the ground for over 30 minutes before taking him to St. Joseph’s hospital. Steven Snively and Christopher Marchant were charged with failing to provide the necessities of life.

Meanwhile King and Matheson parted ways. Matheson spoke with his girlfriend and told her what happened and she ended up contacting police.

Moments before his arrest two days later, Matheson sent two text messages to King, “it’s happening Dale they’re here.” and then, “disappear”.

Dale Kings preliminary hearing wrapped up last week for his second degree murder charge. Matheson spent two days testifying in that hearing. Kings trial date is expected to be set next month.