Former Riverdale actor Ryan Grantham, 24, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 14 years in British Columbia Supreme Court last month after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Grantham admitted to shooting his mother, Barbara Waite, in the back of the head with a .22 caliber rifle as she played piano in their townhouse in Squamish, north of Vancouver, on March 31, 2020.
During the sentencing hearing, Grantham expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that he had wasted his life and caused tremendous pain. He had been struggling with suicidal and homicidal urges in the months leading up to the murder, and had even planned to assassinate Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as detailed in a diary later recovered by the police.
Psychiatric reports revealed that Grantham developed psychosis due to heavy marijuana and alcohol abuse. The actor had a history of moderately successful roles as a child actor in Canada, but his life took a dark turn due to substance abuse.
On April 1, 2020, after killing his mother, Grantham packed his family car with weapons, Molotov cocktails, camping supplies, and ammunition. He contemplated committing an act of mass violence at various locations before eventually turning himself in to the police. He admitted to contemplating suicide but decided against it, feeling that he owed the world a life after taking a life.
Grantham’s sister, Lisa, spoke at the sentencing hearing, describing her mother as a beloved and adventurous woman who enjoyed outdoor activities. Lisa expressed her devastation and lack of trust in her brother, stating that he had given their mother no chance to defend herself.
Psychiatric evaluations found Grantham to be in a fragile mental state with suicidal thoughts leading up to the murder. While the conditions contributed to the crime, they did not absolve him of criminal responsibility.
In court, Grantham’s lawyer explained that the killing was not driven by hatred or animosity but was a result of disordered thinking. He had been heavily using marijuana and spending time online before the offense.
Justice Kathleen Ker delivered the 14-year minimum non-parole life sentence, acknowledging the tragic and heartbreaking nature of the case. She highlighted the life-shattering impact of Grantham’s actions, especially on his sister.
After the sentencing, Grantham’s lawyer expressed concern for his client’s safety in a maximum-security prison due to his small stature and young appearance. Correctional authorities will determine where Grantham serves his prison sentence.
Before his criminal actions, Ryan Grantham had a successful acting career, gaining acclaim for his performances in short and feature films in Canada. He had various acting credits in film and television from a young age, with his most recent role in the TV show Riverdale.
The case of Ryan Grantham highlights the devastating consequences of mental health issues and substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support for those struggling with their mental well-being.