Dawson City, Yukon, man found not guilty of 2nd degree murder in 2018 killing

A Dawson City, Yukon, man has been found not guilty of second degree murder in the 2018 death of Kevin Edward McGowan.

Kane Morgan, who has admitted to causing McGowan's death, was instead found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

It took around four hours for the 11 jurors at the trial to deliberate and return with a verdict on Thursday evening.

Morgan killed 41-year-old McGowan, who was from Port Coquitlam, B.C, during the early hours of April 30, 2018, in Dawson.

The trial, which began last week in Dawson City, focused on whether Morgan had intended to kill McGowan. The defence argued that Morgan had been heavily intoxicated by drugs and alcohol at the time, and was therefore not able to form intent.

As the verdict was read in the courtroom, some of Morgan's family members broke down into tears behind him.

McGowan's family and friends sat on the other side of the courtroom, silent and visibly disappointed by the verdict.

'We ... will have to accept the verdict and move on'

In a written statement to CBC News on Friday, McGowan's family said the trial was "a very tough 10 days" for them, but they praised the "exceptional job" of Crown prosecutors and said they were grateful for the support they received from victim services.

"Of course we are very disappointed with the outcome but will have to accept the verdict and move on," the statement reads.

Morgan's family also offered a written statement on Friday, saying the trial was a "long exhausting experience for everyone involved," and said they were happy with what they felt was an "honest verdict."

"This incident was a direct result of unresolved trauma festering into an alcohol and drug addiction that brought on psychosis," the statement reads, adding that Morgan has been in recovery from addiction for more than five years now, and that the trial was part of that recovery process.

"It's admirable to see him choose to have this trial in town with jury and testify himself to bring closure to the community along with Kevin's family," the statement reads.

Morgan's sentencing date will be set on March 26.