Shawn Hennessey & Dennis Cheeseman

First of all, let us thank everyone who has supported Shawn and Dennis, an enormous thank you to our community, for your kind words, your support, your generosity, and your prayers, which has made our lives a little easier during this indescribable time.

For some of you who already know Shawn, and have passed your view of him openly, thank you so much. For those of you who don’t know Shawn, let me tell you a bit about him, he is a son, a grandson, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a nephew, all roles that he takes seriously. Shawn did well in school, he had lots of friends, and he participated in all activities. In 1995 Shawn became involved with the Brotherhood Boxing Club. His coach Mark Waggoner became a very positive and important person in our lives, Mark remains a family friend and is one of Shawn’s biggest supporters. In 1998 Shawn met and fell in love with, his wife Christine, and they have two beautiful daughters ages 7 and 4. Shawn is a very dedicated family man. When Shawn is not at work, which is seldom, or spending time with his family, he can be found at the local golf course with a buddy playing a few holes.

The people that already know Dennis have spoken of his character, that he is a great guy, a very shy, naïve young man with a huge heart. Dennis started out his young life by losing his father when he was 2 years old. Growing up was difficult for him, not having that male role model in his life. Dennis also had many friends at school, but there was really only one person that he really felt connected to, his sister Christine. As children they stood side-by-side, through thick and thin, and still do to this day. Dennis quit school when he was 16 years old, in order to find a job and help out his sister and their young family. So at the age of 19 Dennis was working full time, and being the best brother and uncle that anyone could have.

Since July 7^th 2007 our lives have been drastically altered and will never be the same.

The families have had to begin selling their possessions that we have worked so hard for in order to provide both Shawn and Dennis with the best legal representation possible. Shawn’s daughters ask us often why everything in their lives had to change…unfortunately we do not have an answer for them. We have asked ourselves that very same question many times.

As his mother and grandmother of his children it has pained me beyond words to see his wife and children suffer on a daily basis, knowing that there is little we can do to ease their pain.

Today both men sit behind bars, one in Edmonton, and one in Red Deer awaiting answers to their many questions.

At this time the family still has not received the disclosure from the Crown and we find ourselves in the same position we were in on July 7th.: shocked and without any information.

Due to the enormous legal fees that the family is faced with, we need your help to protect the rights of these two young men.

Update.

Jan 30 09

Today's events changed our lives forever. Shawn and Dennis agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter because they were told that it would be the quickest route home to their families. Their choice was tough. They were also told that going against a very powerful machine with unlimited resources on first degree murder could possibly result in 4 X first degree murder charges which could result in 4 X 25 year sentences. Which may possibly mean that they could be behind bars for the rest of their natural lives. It appeared that the only option they had was to plead guilty to manslaughter and take that chance of receiving a lesser sentence so that they could come home to their families within the next couple of years. The choice they made was not easy for them to admit guilt to something they disagreed with.

Then as the 12 year and 15 year sentences were handed out we were all in total shock. Strange though as it was noted that day by the crown that they had insufficient evidence for a first degree murder conviction at a trial.

All we ask is that the justice system look at this and give the boys the chance at a fair trial with all the evidence out in the open.

We are presently appealing the sentences. The new Lawyers will decide what our next step will be..We will not give up.

The letters of support and donations will now go directly to Christine and the girls.

Barry Hennessey

Site 17 Box 20

RR#2 Barrhead Alberta

T7N-1N3

Or make your donation through PayPal: (Note: PayPal donations will be sent to absweld@xplornet.com (aka Shawn's father, Barry Hennessey)

We need everyone’s love and support right now, but unfortunately, we also need financial assistance. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.

If you have questions or comments or would like to send letters of support, both men can be contacted through the address above or click here to send an email.

Please check back regularly as we will be posting updates as well as your feedback and comments in the near future.