Parents of slain 19-year-old call for appeal of killer's manslaughter conviction

Sam and Brigette Graham say their son Sam Jr. 'died for nothing' after Montana Lewis was found guilty of manslaughter instead of first-degree murder

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The parents of Sam Graham Jr., a 19-year-old who was fatally stabbed in 2020, are calling on prosecutors to appeal the manslaughter conviction of his killer, Montana Lewis. The Grahams say the judge's decision to convict Lewis of the lesser charge was a 'gross miscarriage of justice' and that their son 'died for nothing'. They claim there were 'significant errors' in the judge's assessment of the evidence and are upset that he accepted parts of Lewis' testimony while rejecting others.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and closure that victims' families often face in the criminal justice system. The Grahams' outrage over the manslaughter conviction reflects the deep pain and sense of injustice that can arise when a perpetrator is not held fully accountable. Their calls for an appeal underscore the need for a fair and transparent judicial process that delivers meaningful outcomes for victims and their loved ones.

The details

Montana Lewis was originally charged with first-degree murder for the November 2020 stabbing death of Sam Graham Jr. during an altercation outside a home. However, Lewis was ultimately convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The Grahams claim there was evidence that Lewis had premeditated the attack, including a text message he sent saying he was going to kill Sam Jr. They also dispute Lewis' testimony that he had been drinking and doing drugs, and that he had accidentally dropped the knife. The Grahams believe the judge selectively accepted parts of Lewis' account while rejecting other key evidence.

  • Sam Graham Jr. was fatally stabbed on November 12, 2020.
  • Montana Lewis was convicted of manslaughter on January 30, 2026.

The players

Sam Graham Jr.

A 19-year-old who was fatally stabbed in November 2020.

Montana Lewis

The 23-year-old who was convicted of manslaughter for the stabbing death of Sam Graham Jr.

Sam Graham

The father of Sam Graham Jr. who is calling for an appeal of the manslaughter conviction.

Brigette Graham

The mother of Sam Graham Jr. who is calling for an appeal of the manslaughter conviction.

Justice Alexander Kurke

The Ontario Superior Court judge who convicted Montana Lewis of manslaughter instead of first-degree murder.

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What they’re saying

“When the judge sits there and tells you that your son died because of vengeance, and then you say manslaughter, there's no justice for my son — he died for nothing.”

— Brigette Graham, Mother of Sam Graham Jr. (SooToday)

“We're the ones that are most damaged out of all this, and they're talking about Indigenous rights and stuff like that. Why would you let that happen to other people then — other races?”

— Sam Graham, Father of Sam Graham Jr. (SooToday)

“The judge took the words from the defence, trying to paint this picture when the picture is not there. It's all lies wrapped together, trying to paint that Montana was sincere and stuff. But it's not true — none of it is true.”

— Sam Graham, Father of Sam Graham Jr. (SooToday)

What’s next

The Grahams are calling on the Crown to appeal the manslaughter conviction, in hopes of getting the judge's decision overturned. They have also filed a complaint with the Canadian Judicial Council, requesting an investigation into the judge's objectivity and handling of the case.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges victims' families face in seeking true justice and accountability for their loved ones' deaths. The Grahams' fight for a more severe conviction for their son's killer underscores the need for a criminal justice system that prioritizes the rights and needs of victims over other considerations, and delivers outcomes that reflect the gravity of the crimes committed.