Family members of Josue Silva expressed a sense of justice on Friday after Carlos Guerra Guerra, the man accused in the 18 year old’s shooting death, was found guilty of second degree murder.
“Well, we’re pretty happy with the outcome as a family, that’s the general reaction” said Eliel Silva, age 26, Josue’s older brother. He was on hand at the London courthouse with an aunt and uncle when the verdict came out late in the afternoon. “It seems like a closing point for my parents. So hopefully this gives them a little peace of mind,” Eliel added.
Guerra Guerra, now 23, was also found guilty of assault with a weapon on 22-year-old Logan Marshall, Silva’s best friend.
The charges stemmed from incidents a bush party in Southwest London on July 31, 2021.
Guerra Guerra had pleaded not guilty to both charges.
A friend of Silva’s on hand for the verdict, who declined to provide his name, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“Justice has been done, that’s about it. I was happy because what happened should have happened. He’s guilty, so that’s about it, thank you,” he said.
During the ten-week trial the jury heard that Guerra Guerra arrived at the party on Pack Road with a loaded handgun, after being summoned by former co-accused, Emily Altman. Guerra Guerra and another accused, 23-year-old Dylan Schaap, got into a fight with Silva and his friend, 22-year-old Logan Marshall. During the altercation Guerra Guerra shot Silva in the abdomen.
The teenager would die of his injuries.
A life of promise, cut short, said his older brother Eliel.
“He was a great kid. He had a great future about him. [His life] was taken at a very young age – unfairly – but justice was served today in my family’s eyes. We’re really thankful to the city of London police, and we’re really thankful to the Crown that represented the case as well,” Eliel explained.
Schaap previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault with a weapon for his role in the fight and was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Charges against Altman were dropped.
Eight of the 12 jurors submitted recommendations for parole eligibility. They ranged from 15 years to 22 years. Sentencing for Carlos Guerra Guerra has been set for March 21.
