Following a walk with his dog in Calgary, Brett Davidson was chatting with his new girlfriend when he encountered Cory Miklic, a violent offender who brutally attacked him, stabbing him over a dozen times.
Recently, 44-year-old Miklic admitted to second-degree murder in front of Davidson’s family at the Court of King’s Bench. The family heard details of the incident from prosecutor Darren Maloney, who read from an agreed statement of facts.
Davidson, aged 39, a retired navy veteran who had recently relocated to Calgary, was residing in an Inglewood condo on Ninth Avenue.
On a day in August 2022, Davidson was in the hallway of his building when he encountered Miklic, whose mother resided nearby. The two had never crossed paths before.
History of Assaults
Miklic, with a record of 33 assault-related convictions, was out on bail for assault when he used a kitchen knife to attack Davidson multiple times.
Prosecutor Katrina Sole Kahler stated, “There is no justification for Mr. Miklic’s actions that led to Mr. Davidson’s death,” during the court proceedings before Justice David Labrenz.
During the assault, two neighbors from the fourth floor heard distressing sounds and cries for help. They witnessed Miklic attacking Davidson.
Both neighbors rushed to their apartments to call 911, while Miklic fled to his mother’s residence, leaving the weapon in the kitchen.
Providing Comfort
Despite severe injuries, Davidson managed to descend the building’s stairs and collapsed outside the gym on the ground floor, pleading for assistance.
Gym manager Stephen Leonard hurried to aid Davidson, using towels to stem the bleeding. He recounted, “We tried to comfort him and keep him conscious until help arrived.”
Leonard was acquainted with Davidson and his pet from the neighborhood. He expressed the shock of seeing a familiar face in such a critical state.
Davidson, struggling to breathe, revealed to his helpers his fear of dying before losing consciousness.
Leonard described the haunting moment of feeling like he was present for Davidson’s final breath, as efforts to save him proved futile.
Aftermath of the Tragedy
Despite efforts by first responders and medical staff at Foothills Medical Centre, Davidson succumbed to his injuries a few hours later, around 3:45 PM.
Meanwhile, Miklic fled the scene, took public transit to a movie theater, and then returned to the Inglewood condo building, where he was apprehended.
Thirteen of Davidson’s family members submitted victim impact statements but requested they remain private during Miklic’s sentencing.
Labrenz briefly adjourned to review the statements in private.
Personal Loss
A statement from a woman named Marnie, who was in a relationship with Davidson, was read by the prosecution. She described Davidson as a loving, intelligent individual who cherished his family and friends.
Marnie shared that Davidson had planned for her to meet his family on Vancouver Island for their upcoming milestone birthdays, but tragically, she met them at his funeral instead.
Justice Served
During Miklic’s sentencing, Labrenz emphasized the senselessness of the crime, calling it shocking, appalling, terrifying, and incomprehensible.
Miklic received a life sentence with a parole ineligibility period of 13 years, a joint proposal from the prosecution and defense counsel, Balfour Der.