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A Toronto man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for his role in the 2023 shooting death of Shamar Powell-Flowers, 29, in the city’s east end.
Michael Bebee, 37, pleaded guilty last month to being an accessory after the fact to discharging a firearm in connection with the shooting.
In her decision, Ontario Superior Court Justice Jane Kelly said the sentence “is required to adequately denounce the offence and deter other like minded offenders,” noting that Bebee has “rehabilitative potential.”
According to an agreed statement of facts, Powell-Flowers was out with friends on July 23, when they got involved in a “physical altercation” with two other men, Mohamad Farah and Bebee, near Danforth Avenue and Carlaw Avenue at around 3:30 a.m.
During the fight, a firearm was “introduced,” which Farah gained “momentary possession of” and shot Powell-Flowers with, the statement of facts said. Powell-Flowers later died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Bebee, Farah fled scene ‘seconds later’
The agreed statement of facts goes on to say that after Farah shot Powell-Flowers, he and Bebee fled the scene “less than 20 seconds later.”
Bebee assisted Farah in leaving and did not provide aid to Powell-Flowers, which showed a “complete and callous disregard for his life,” Kelly’s decision said.
Farah was arrested in August 2023 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, according to Kelly’s decision and the agreed statement of facts. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Bebee fled to the Maritimes with the gun, the statement of facts said, noting that the firearm used to kill Powell-Flowers was also used in Halifax.
Because he remained at large for months before his arrest, Kelly’s decision said Bebee’s conduct was “co-ordinated and sustained,” which “prolonged the agony of Mr. Powell-Flowers’ community and family who lost a son, brother, relatives and friends.”
Bebee was arrested in April 2024 on Prince Edward Island and brought back to Ontario in May.
Powell-Flowers’ mother, Charmaine Flowers. The family described Powell-Flower as a ‘remarkable light’ whose smile ‘lit up the universe.’ (Jasmin Seputis/CBC News)Powell-Flowers remembered as a ‘remarkable light’
Powell-Flowers family previously described him as a “remarkable light” who loved his family, food, the Arsenal Football Club and his dog Rocco.
“Shamar loved his friends, family, neighbours, strangers. He loved helping, giving, celebrating, serving. He loved working, learning, trying, achieving,” the family said.
The family said Powell-Flowers, who was a highrise construction worker, was hard-working and ambitious. He was described as brave, loyal and intelligent, with a smile they said “lit up the universe.”