Former Saskatchewan Mountie Bernie Herman is set to be sentenced for manslaughter after being convicted for the shooting death of his lover, Braden Herman. The incident occurred in 2021 when Braden Herman’s naked body was found in a park on the outskirts of Prince Albert. Bernie Herman admitted to firing the gun that killed Braden Herman, but there was a disagreement between lawyers on whether the shooting was planned. The Mountie’s lawyers argued that the shooting was in self-defense, while prosecutors believed that he deliberately lured his lover to the isolated area to kill him.
Initially charged with first-degree murder, Bernie Herman was convicted of manslaughter as the Court of King’s Bench Justice Gary Meschishnick stated that the Crown had not proven that the officer was not provoked. The relationship between Bernie Herman and Braden Herman began in 2018 after meeting on Facebook. The Mountie invited the younger man to move into his home, where their relationship became sexual and began to affect Bernie Herman’s marriage. Despite the officer’s wife kicking Braden Herman out of the home in 2019, the two men continued to meet up for sex, with Bernie Herman testifying that some encounters were not consensual and that his lover would become violent. Prosecutors questioned the credibility of the Mountie’s testimony due to his continued pursuit of Braden Herman.
Leading up to the shooting, Bernie Herman was reportedly arguing with his wife about Braden Herman. On May 11, 2021, wearing his uniform and carrying his RCMP-issued weapon, Bernie Herman picked up Braden Herman and drove to the park where the shooting took place. The Mountie claimed that Braden Herman, who was naked, grabbed him by the face before walking to the back of the officer’s truck and bending down to grab an object. Bernie Herman stated that he did not remember what happened next, but his gun went off. Despite Meschishnick not believing the Mountie’s memory gaps or feeling of being threatened, he had a reasonable doubt that the Crown had proven that Bernie Herman was not provoked into his actions.
The case of Bernie Herman and Braden Herman highlights the tragic outcome of a tumultuous and complicated relationship between the two men. The court proceedings revealed the complex dynamics at play, with Bernie Herman’s lawyers arguing for self-defense while prosecutors painted a picture of a deliberate and premeditated act of violence. The judge’s decision to convict Bernie Herman of manslaughter rather than first-degree murder indicates a belief that there were elements of provocation involved in the shooting. The entire case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of escalating conflicts and violence in relationships.
As Bernie Herman awaits sentencing for manslaughter, the community and legal system grapple with the implications of his actions. The loss of Braden Herman and the incarceration of Bernie Herman leave a trail of devastation for their families and loved ones. The case also raises questions about the role of law enforcement officers in cases of domestic violence and the need for better support systems and resources for individuals in such situations. Ultimately, the tragic story of Bernie Herman and Braden Herman serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the potential for violence and harm that can arise in the midst of conflict and turmoil.
