Man Behind Fatal Poker Robbery Receives Life Sentence

An armed criminal who attempted to rob a poker tournament, resulting in the death of a Southern Ontario man, has been handed a life-time sentence sentenced by a Canadian judge. The fatal shooting took place in 2011, when three crooks attempted to rob an illegal tournament that was being held at the Rozz Banquet Hall in Brampton. These included the robbery’s mastermind, Brian “Spanish” Funes, 28, alongside Marcus Alexis, and an accomplice, known only as JM, who has since entered the Witness Protection Program.
The Tournament Director was specifically targeted during the robbery, and after a struggle broke out martial artist Kearn Nedd (photo) came to his assistance resulting in a hail of bullets being fired into the crowded banquet hall. Kearn was subsequently killed in the process, and following an investigation and court case, Marcus Alexis was identified as the shooter and has now received a life-time sentence for first-degree murder, while Brian Funes received 11 years for manslaughter and his part in the robbery. Even though Brian Funes was not armed or in the hall at the time, he did plan the robbery, and also offered advice to his fellow robbers on how to evade the police investigation.
Meanwhile, JM, a crack cocaine dealer, turned witness protection after being arrested a year after the incident, and being blamed for Kearn Nedd’s murder. JM explained that he was expecting to receive a share of up to $100,000 in stolen cash, but after meeting up with his accomplices, all he was handed was the “hot” guns to be disposed.
“I gave the guns to Spanish and then I went on with my day,” JM explained during a cross-examination by defence attorney Mary Cramer.
While rare, poker tournament have to be on constant guard against criminals attempting to rob their events. The most famous armed robbery attempt of recent times took place at the EPT Berlin in 2010, when 800,000 euros was taken by six men, who were later arrested. Thankfully no one was seriously injured at the time.