Halifax man sentenced in 2022 shooting death outside Gottingen Street nightclub
A Halifax man received a seven-year sentence for manslaughter in the shooting death of 25-year-old Trayvhon Bradshaw outside a nightclub in 2022.
A 25-year-old man from Halifax, Makayle Skinner, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the manslaughter of Trayvhon Bradshaw, who was shot outside The Den nightclub on Gottingen Street in March 2022. Initially charged with first-degree murder, Skinner pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter after it was determined he acted in response to what he perceived as a threat during an altercation that occurred after Bradshaw left the club to retrieve something from his car. During the court proceedings, his lawyer stated that the situation escalated when Bradshaw returned to the scene in a crouched manner, allegedly armed. However, the lawyer also noted that Skinner did not have a lawful claim of self-defense as there were alternative ways to de-escalate the situation. This revelation underscored the complexities surrounding self-defense claims in cases involving firearms, and the court took these factors into account when rendering its decision. This case reflects ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in Halifax, particularly in nightlife areas. The incident has sparked discussions about how to better manage altercations in such settings and the broader implications of sentencing in cases of gun-related crimes, as communities continue to seek ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.