Adam Drake Sentenced to 17 Years Parole Ineligibility for Murder of Rapper Pat Stay
A Nova Scotia judge has sentenced Adam Drake to 17 years of parole ineligibility for the second-degree murder of rapper Pat Stay. Drake, 34, was convicted by a jury in June for the stabbing death that occurred in a Halifax nightclub in September 2022. Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence, and Drake is now serving two life sentences concurrently, with parole ineligibility set at 25 years for the 2016 death of Tyler Keizer. Justice Scott Norton described the stabbing as inexplicable and stated that Drake is a dangerous individual with uncertain prospects for rehabilitation, possibly never being released on parole.
During the sentencing, the defence proposed 13 to 15 years before parole eligibility, while the Crown sought 20 to 23 years. Pat Stay, a father, partner, and successful battle rapper, received tributes from various artists, including Eminem and Drake, following his death. Stay's sister, Carolyn Gouthro, expressed the profound loss felt by the family and described Stay as a loving and kind soul who brought light to everyone he encountered. She highlighted the impact of his death on their family, emphasizing the void left by his absence and the memories they cherish of him.
Gouthro's emotional victim impact statement was read in court by April Keizer, the stepmother of Tyler Keizer, whom Drake was also found guilty of killing. Drake was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in Keizer's 2016 shooting death, with a parole ineligibility of 25 years imposed in that case. Drake is appealing this murder conviction. Keizer was fatally shot while sitting in his vehicle in November 2016, leading to Drake's arrest in 2019. However, the Crown withdrew the charge in October 2021, just before the trial was scheduled to begin, to ensure a fair trial for the Pat Stay case.
In conclusion, Adam Drake has been sentenced to 17 years of parole ineligibility for the second-degree murder of Pat Stay, adding to his existing life sentence for the murder of Tyler Keizer. The court highlighted the severity of Drake's actions and the impact on the victims' families, emphasizing the loss of two individuals who were loved and cherished by their loved ones. The legal proceedings surrounding these cases have brought closure to some extent, but the pain and memories of the victims continue to linger for their families and friends.