A Salmo man was convicted of second degree murder in Cranbrook's Supreme Court on Monday and given an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 years.

Barney Wayne Keizer, 35, pled guilty to second degree murder before Justice J.R. Groves.

The court heard that on May 12, 2009, at around 3:45 p.m., a couple out jogging at Creston Wildlife Management Area saw a lifeless body on the ground in a parking area. They were unable to revive the man, later identified as Randall Werner Classen. He had been shot in the face.

Justice Groves heard that Classen was a drug supplier and Keizer sold the drugs. Prior to the incident, Keizer had suffered a shoulder injury and was prescribed morphine and oxycontin for the pain. He became addicted to the drugs.

The motive for the crime was not discussed in the short trial, but Justice Groves blamed drugs.

"In doing this job for six years, seldom if ever have I seen a criminal case that did not have a connection with drugs. My caution to anyone in society who is attracted to drug use is that if you enter into this lifestyle, you will either end up dead or in jail and those are not exotic options," Justice Groves said.

In sentencing Keizer, Justice Groves pointed out that a life sentence for murder is mandatory but he was able to elect anywhere from 10 to 25 years before parole.

Justice Groves chose the minimum sentence because Keizer had no criminal record and prior to his addiction, he was a supportive husband and father.

"I am convinced that the accused if he is off drugs does not pose a threat to society," said Justice Groves.

"My hope is that you will work through your drug addiction in prison," he told Keizer, who cried as the verdict was handed down.

Keizer was ordered to provide a DNA sample and given a lifetime firearms prohibition.