Convicted Killer Receives 10-Year Sentence for Attempted Murder

URGENT UPDATE: A British Columbia man serving a life sentence for first-degree murder has just received an additional 10-year sentence for attempted murder. Richard Charles Reed, 27, faced the court after pleading guilty to the attempted murder of Spence Griffith, which occurred just three months after his original crime.

This shocking development was announced on November 6, 2023, and details have surfaced highlighting the violent incident that took place on December 29, 2020. Reed is currently incarcerated for the September 18, 2020 murder of Jian Jun Zhu, a man implicated in a major money laundering scheme involving $10 million through B.C. casinos.

The court documents reveal that Reed and Griffith were once close friends, but their relationship soured when Griffith started dating Reed’s ex-girlfriend, Yasmine. Reed’s jealousy escalated to a serious threat when he recorded a video before the shooting, claiming he had attempted to blow up Griffith’s car. “If he continued this conduct, I would kill him,” Reed warned in the recording.

Reed masterminded a scheme to lure Griffith to a public location, claiming they would meet for drinks at General Currie Elementary School in Richmond. When Griffith arrived, Reed approached him with a firearm and shot him in the hand, narrowly missing a more serious injury. Griffith managed to escape and called 911, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

In a chilling twist, Reed recorded another video after the shooting, rapping about the incident and boasting about how his gun jammed, leading to only a single shot hitting Griffith. This brazen confession played a pivotal role in the court’s decision-making process.

During sentencing, the Crown and defense jointly recommended the 10-year sentence, which B.C. Supreme Court Justice Miriam A. Maisonville accepted after determining it was appropriate. The decision took into account Reed’s extensive criminal history, which includes 32 adult convictions across various offenses.

Justice Maisonville emphasized the serious nature of Reed’s crime, noting that it was premeditated and occurred in a public place. “The aggravating circumstances are that this offence was committed with a firearm,” she stated. However, she also recognized Reed’s acceptance of responsibility and expressed hope for his future. “You have a long and hard path ahead of you, but I accept your remorse and your desire to become a better human being,” she told him.

Reed’s journey has been marred by hardship, including a troubled childhood in New Orleans and a tumultuous relationship with his mother. Despite his violent past, he has expressed a desire to change, seeking to achieve his high school equivalency while incarcerated and improving his literacy skills.

With this new sentence, Reed will remain behind bars until at least his early 50s, as he faces a lifetime prohibition on weapon possession and must provide a DNA sample. The case highlights the ongoing issues of violence and criminal behavior within the justice system.

As this story develops, the community is left to grapple with the ramifications of Reed’s actions and what they mean for public safety in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding situation.