Man on trial for fatal stabbing had blood-alcohol level 2x legal driving limit, jurors hear

February 18, 2025 Canuck

The man accused of murdering Ryden Brogden in Banff had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal driving limit at the time of the stabbing, a forensic toxicologist estimated for jurors Tuesday.

John Sproule, 23, is charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Brogdon, 27.

A jury trial entered its second week on Tuesday with testimony from forensic toxicologist Tracy Cherlet.

Jurors heard that Sproule and Brogden got into a fight outside of a Banff bar on the night of Sept. 3, 2022.

Brogden was stabbed 12 times and suffered another seven sharp force wounds. Three of the stab wounds were fatal injuries, according to an agreed statement of facts (ASF).

Under questioning from prosecutor Mykel Long, Cherlet told jurors that based on testing done three hours after the stabbing, Sproule’s blood-alcohol level at the time of the fatal attack was estimated to be between 0.161 and 0.196.

At those levels, Cherlet said a person is considered intoxicated and can be in an exaggerated emotional state, may show an increase in risk-taking behaviour and an increase in self-confidence.

Under cross-examination from defence lawyer Cory Wilson, Cherlet confirmed that other symptoms for that level of intoxication could include decreased comprehension, judgment and perception as well as confusion and disorientation.

Security cameras caught fatal altercation

On the night of the stabbing, Sproule was in town for a vacation with his family. He was out drinking with his brother Josh that night.

Brogden, who was from Priddis, had stopped in Banff en route to B.C. for a fishing trip with a friend, Howard Pearse.

The two pairs of men ended up at two different bars at the same time.

Just after midnight on Sept. 3, 2022, the four men were outside of the Dancing Sasquatch.

At the time, Brogden was having a cigarette.

The altercation was caught on security cameras from two businesses. Police also collected video from a witness’s cellphone camera.

Sproule fled after the attack.

A police dog tracked his route and discovered the bloodied folding knife on Banff Avenue and a blood-soaked T-shirt in a planter at the Bear Street Parkade.

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