A man from Windsor has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for his role in a deadly attack on an unarmed individual and for helping to move the victim’s body to northern Ontario.
Colin Lusk, who was 27 at the time of the incident, received his sentence Tuesday from Ontario Court Justice Mikolaj Bazylko after admitting to manslaughter in connection with the death of David Pavao, who was 37.
In delivering the sentence, Bazylko described the act as extremely serious, stating that Pavao had “senselessly lost his life.”
The judge indicated that this case leaned “closer to the.. murder end” of manslaughter rather than being an accidental death.
David Pavao was assaulted at a residence in Windsor on Aug. 14, 2025, after he sought shelter there due to car problems. (Submitted by Windsor Police Service)
However, Bazylko noted that Lusk had a secondary but active role compared to his co-defendant, whom he called “the driving force behind this killing.”
This distinction lowered Lusk’s moral culpability according to the judge, though it did not lessen how serious his involvement was.
The sentence fell within the eight-to-twelve-year range for aggravated manslaughter set forth by Ontario Court of Appeal decisions. The Crown sought an eleven-year term while Lusk’s defense requested eight years minus time already served.
Lusk received credit for 522 days spent in pre-sentence custody, which leaves him with about eight years remaining to serve.
‘Unprovoked’ assault on defenseless victim
Pavao faced an attack at a Windsor home on Aug. 14, 2025, after arriving there due to car trouble and needing a place to stay for the night.
Court accepted facts showed that Lusk and another individual engaged in a two-on-one attack. According to Bazylko, this assault was “unprovoked” and involved some planning since they targeted their victim over drug-related issues.
The judge pointed out that Pavao was unarmed and suffered repeated blows over an extended period. The weapons used included a ball-peen hammer and a steel baseball bat.
“The victim was defenceless against this attack,” Bazylko stated.
Lusk left without seeking medical help for Pavao and later took part in moving Pavao’s body up north for disposal.
Authorities discovered Pavao’s remains last October near Black River-Matheson Township east of Timmins. DNA testing confirmed his identity following forensic analysis as reported by Windsor police in January.
Bazylko mentioned that the body had deteriorated so severely that DNA testing became necessary for identification purposes.
The judge cited factors such as body disposal method, prolonged assault duration, and its severe impact on Pavao’s family as aggravating considerations during sentencing.
No prior criminal record p >
Bazylko noted Lusk’s clean criminal record , youthfulness , and guilty plea as mitigating factors. p >
The judge remarked that his plea came relatively early before any preliminary inquiry date had been scheduled. p >
It also saved court resources while preventing Pavao’s family from re-experiencing graphic details about their loved one’s murder during trial proceedings. p >
In pre-sentence reports , Lusk expressed remorse , acknowledging how deeply this crime affected both Pavao and his family. p >
The judge took into account Lusk’s significant intoxication level when committing this offence , plus support from family members along with rehabilitation programs participated while incarcerated addressing substance abuse matters. p >
Substance use played “a significant factor” regarding this crime according to Bazylko. p ><
However , there were doubts raised concerning whether or not defense submissions would lead him back towards employment post-release especially since he previously shunned job opportunities available throughout earlier times.
Bazylko stressed importance placed upon assessing potential rehabilitative efforts needed particularly where young first-time offenders are concerned.”
But he added deterrent measures must remain key goals involving unlawful killings cases if such occurs.”
The sentence should reflect both “the gravity of offense” alongside “degree responsibility held,” according To Judge BAZYLKO’S remarks above them.”
Court hears statements demonstrating deep emotional impact felt By victims’ families experiencing loss caused directly BY Colleagues And Friends OF DAVID PA VAO AS WELL AS FAMILY MEMBERS WHO EXPERIENCED HIS PASSING AWAY UNEXPECTEDLY FROM VIOLENCE COMMITTED AGAINST HIM Unlawfully Before He could become older or celebrate milestones shared together…
Sister Jennifer shared insight into pain endured losing connections Forever because life stolen away prematurely through brutality inflicted BY OTHERS ON DAVID WHOM THEY ALWAYS CHERISHED HAVING AROUND DURING LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS WITHOUT FEAR OR HESITATION LIKE HOLIDAY GATHERINGS WHERE MEMORIES MADE LASTING IMPRESSIONS UPON EVERYONE INVOLVED INTERACTING WITH ONE ANOTHER CREATIVELY THROUGH LOVE AND LAUGHTER TOGETHER…”
PAVAO’S MOTHER ELIZABETH WROTE ABOUT HOW MUCH SHE LONGED TO HEAR SON’S VOICE AGAIN WHILE FACING REALITY THAT SHE COULDN’T SEE HIS FACE EVER AGAIN..”YOU DIDN’T JUST TAKE ONE LIFE,” SHE WROTE; “YOU CHANGED THE LIVES OF EVERYONE WHO LOVED DAVID.”
In addition To jail time imposed Upon HIM NOW ORDERED TO SUBMIT DNA SAMPLE PROTECTED UNDER POLICIES ENSURING PRIVACY RIGHTS WHILE RECEIVING TWENTY-YEAR PROHIBITION STRICKEN FROM ANY FIREARM USE IN FUTURE…”
Also prohibited communication directly WITH NAMED INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING IMMEDIATE RELATIVES OF VICTIM DURING INCARCERATION PERIOD SET DOWN BY COURT SYSTEM REGARDLESS HOW MUCH TIME REMAIN..
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