Yarmouth Justice Centre.

Guilty.

The jury in the case of the murder of Colton Cook has found Robert Rogers guilty of second degree murder and interference with human remains.

The verdict came down this evening after the 12 jurors spent the afternoon deliberating.

Emotions were running high for Cook’s family and friends, many of whom had been attending the trial every day since it began almost three weeks ago.

Cook’s mother, Stacey Cook, shared her reaction moments after the guilty verdict was announced.

“These are actually the first time I have happy tears. This is a big win,” said Cook. “I’m just ecstatic because this is what needs to be done. Now we just have to make sure the verdict is hard time that he does.”

Presiding Supreme Court Justice Pierre Muise said following the decision that he will impose a life in prison sentence for Rogers on the charge of second degree murder.

Rogers will be sentenced in Yarmouth Supreme Court next Thursday, February second.

“It’s almost a relief. It’s a win for Colton, I know Colton’s watching,” said Stacey Cook. “This has been so hard.”

Stacey Cook (center) surrounded by friends and family following the announcement of the guilty verdict. (Acadia News Photo)

After the verdict was announced, Justice Muise had the jury return to their chambers to recommend what Rogers’ period of parole in eligibility will be.

A period of parole in eligibility is a determination of the earliest time Rogers can apply for parole while serving his sentence.

The jury were allowed to make separate recommendations for the period of parole. Six jurors chose to make no recommendation, three chose a period of 15 years, 2 chose a period of 25 years and one chose a period of 20 years.

However the decision for the period of parole rests with Justice Muise. The Criminal Code of Canada states that a person convicted must serve a minimum of 10 years before being eligible for parole and a maximum of 25 years.

At the sentencing, victim impact statements from Stacey Cook and her daughter will be read.

Stacey Cook said her fight for justice will continue.

“Even when these guys are all convicted and in jail, I’m going to make sure that these laws are changed,” said Cook. “For the victims and for the time that’s being served, it’s gotta change because these people just get out and do it again and again.”

Two other men have pleaded guilty in the case. Wayne Crawford has pleaded guilty to second degree murder. Keith Siscoe Jr. has pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder.

Siscoe Jr. is set to be sentenced on February third while Crawford’s sentencing will be held on May 30.

It was a difficult trial for the jurors and those attending. Much graphic and disturbing evidence was presented, including photos, testimony from Siscoe Jr. describing the night of Cook’s death and testimony from Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Examiner on Cook’s post mortem.

A total of 35 exhibits were entered into evidence during the course of the trial.

“My son was a hard worker. He was contributing to society and he was taken from us way way too soon by people that just didn’t care and didn’t have a future,” said Stacey Cook. “He had the future and I miss him dearly every minute, every second.”

Cook was first reported missing in September 2020. His remains were later found near the intersection of Saunders Road and Raynardton Road in South Ohio.

For the last two years, his family and friends have made sure his name has not been forgotten by sharing court dates, marching through Yarmouth and publicly celebrating his birthday.

Even though the trial was plagued with delays, it couldn’t stop this group from keeping Colton’s name front and center in the minds of the community.

The tragedy of Colton Cook’s death has brought many in the community together. Some did not know each other before his death, but they are now bonded forever by their shared journey for justice and answers.

Now that the three men connected to Colton Cook’s death are all facing justice, perhaps this group of dedicated friends and family can find some peace.