Calgary man gets 7 years for stabbing friend to death during fight

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CALGARY—A Calgary man who fatally stabbed his friend during a night of drinking and fighting has been sentenced to seven years in jail.

Byron Blanchard, who is 20, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Joshua Hogarth in August 2012.

During the trial, court heard police broke up the pair outside a bar and sent them home, but the fighting continued through texts and a call.

Then Hogarth went over to a residence where Blanchard was staying and that’s when Hogarth was stabbed twice.

With credit for time already served, Blanchard has four years and three months left before his sentence is completed.

Hogarth’s family says they are disappointed Blanchard will be free so soon, but are thankful the case is over.