Halifax, Nova Scotia — In the ongoing manslaughter trial over the Christmas Eve 2022 death of Ryan Sawyer, court hearings on Monday revealed chilling testimonies from law enforcement and family.
Constable Jairus Lamphier, the first witness called by the prosecution, recounted how he intervened to break a chokehold applied by Alexander Pishori Levy, a former security officer at the Halifax Alehouse. According to Lamphier, Levy had Sawyer pinned on the ground, turning purple and remaining limp, unresponsive to verbal commands. After several demands, the officer grabbed Levy’s arm, forcing him to release the chokehold. Sawyer’s eyes were rolled back, and his tongue was swollen and protruding when separated.
Once freed, officers immediately began CPR before transporting Sawyer to hospital, where he later died. Levy has entered a not-guilty plea, and faces charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death.
Also testifying was Kyle Sawyer, Ryan’s twin brother, who was with him the night of the incident. He described a confrontation that began after he accidentally spilled a beer on another patron inside the bar and ended outside in a flurry of security and violence. Kyle said he saw Levy attempt a chokehold on him first, then observed the same applied to Ryan. He later claimed he heard Ryan gasp, “I can’t breathe.” Kyle admitted to having consumed eight to ten drinks that evening and acknowledged he may have been preparing to fight, though memories are hazy.
Surveillance footage admitted to court shows Ryan leaving the bar, followed by Kyle, who gestures and then bumps into Levy. The conflict escalated rapidly, with bouncers intervening immediately. Afterward, Kyle was arrested and taken to hospital for evaluation but released without charges.
The Halifax Alehouse has since closed, and its property was sold. The trial remains underway at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, with further testimony expected through the week.
