Sentencing Hearing Paused for B.C. Man in Chelsey Gauthier Case

UPDATE: The sentencing hearing for Gary Donald Losch, a 70-year-old B.C. man convicted in the 2017 homicide of Chelsey Gauthier, has been paused as he seeks a Gladue report based on claims of Indigenous heritage. The B.C. Supreme Court halted proceedings on Wednesday to ensure Losch’s rights are upheld, leaving Gauthier’s family and friends in the courtroom frustrated.

The judge, S. Dev Dley, emphasized the importance of the process, stating, “You can’t rush it. This is not an easy exercise for anyone.” Family members of Gauthier filled the courtroom in Abbotsford, expressing their deep emotional pain as they awaited justice.

Losch was found guilty of manslaughter and indignity to human remains in July 2025, following an arrest on September 10, 2022. His defense team claims he has acknowledged a lack of ongoing connection with any Indigenous community, but the court must still consider his request for a Gladue report, which could take approximately eight weeks to complete.

Family members reacted to the news with disappointment. Jeremiah Gauthier, Chelsey’s brother, stated, “It’s very frustrating especially when we’ve been waiting so long over the last eight years just to hear about anything.” Chelsey Gauthier was only 22 years old when her life was tragically cut short.

The court had previously heard powerful victim impact statements, with Chelsey’s loved ones sharing their grief. “We’re left with a deep pain that never fades,” said Amanda Gauthier, Chelsey’s cousin. Jeremiah added, “I didn’t know how to face the world without my sister.”

Chelsey was reported missing to the Abbotsford Police Department on July 30, 2017, and her body was discovered just over two weeks later, near Sylvester Road and Dale Road, about 70 kilometers east of Vancouver.

As the hearing was paused, Losch’s lawyers indicated he wishes to apologize to Chelsey’s family and accept responsibility for his actions. However, the process remains stalled as the court deliberates on the necessity of the Gladue report. The Crown is seeking a sentence of 14 years, while Losch’s defense argues for a range of 8 to 10 years.

This developing situation highlights the complexities of the justice system and the emotional toll on families seeking closure. As the community watches closely, the next steps in this case are crucial in the pursuit of justice for Chelsey Gauthier.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.