Adam Drake murder conviction in Tyler Keizer death overturned, new trial ordered

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has overturned Adam Drake's conviction for the first-degree murder of Tyler Keizer in 2016, ordering a new trial. The appellate judges agreed with Drake's defense lawyers that the original trial judge, Justice Timothy Gabriel, erred in his evaluation of the evidence presented during the judge-only trial.

Keizer, 22, was fatally shot while sitting in his vehicle in November 2016. Drake, 35, was found guilty of first-degree murder in October 2024 and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. The defense also argued that Drake's constitutional right to a timely trial was violated due to numerous delays, but the appeal court sided with the Crown, deeming the delays justified.

Tyler Keizer's parents, April and Duane Keizer, shared their profound disappointment with the decision. They stated that after nearly a decade since losing their son, it is frustrating to face a new trial, especially when they believe the crime was captured on video and the perpetrator was clear. The family remains committed to pursuing justice for Tyler and ensuring the responsible party remains incarcerated.

Drake's conviction was initially subject to a publication ban while he faced charges for the 2022 murder of battle rapper Pat Stay. That ban was lifted last year after Drake was found guilty of second-degree murder in Stay's death, receiving a life sentence with 17 years of parole ineligibility. The Crown prosecutor's office has yet to announce whether they will proceed with a retrial for Keizer's death.

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It’s almost 10 years since we lost Tyler and to have a crime on video and no doubt who committed it, its very frustrating to have to go back to trial. Its been a long journey and hard on our whole family but we will continue to fight for justice for Tyler and to make sure the one responsible stays where he is so he can’t do this to anyone else.