Brett Davidson had just completed a walk with his dog in Calgary and was chatting with his new girlfriend when he encountered Cory Miklic, a violent criminal who carried out a savage attack by stabbing him more than a dozen times. Miklic, aged 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in front of Davidson’s family at the Court of King’s Bench, with his family witnessing the proceedings from the gallery.
Davidson, a 39-year-old retired navy veteran who had recently relocated to Calgary and was residing in an Inglewood condo on Ninth Avenue, was ambushed by Miklic in the building’s hallway on the afternoon of August 27, 2022. Despite never having met before, Miklic, who had 33 prior assault-related convictions and was out on bail for assault, used a kitchen knife to brutally stab Davidson at least 13 times.
During the attack, two neighbors from the fourth floor heard distressing sounds and cries for help, leading them to witness Miklic assaulting Davidson. While the neighbors rushed to call 911, Miklic fled to his mother’s condo and stashed the knife in a kitchen drawer.
Injured severely, Davidson managed to descend the building’s stairs before collapsing outside the gym on the ground floor, where he pleaded for assistance while bleeding profusely. Gym manager Stephen Leonard, recognizing Davidson from the neighborhood, provided aid by applying pressure to his wounds as others attempted to comfort him until emergency services arrived.
Despite efforts to save him, Davidson succumbed to his injuries at Foothills Medical Centre a few hours later. Meanwhile, Miklic, after leaving the crime scene, went to a movie theater before being apprehended upon returning to the condo building. Davidson’s family submitted victim impact statements, expressing their grief and sorrow over the tragic loss.
Labrenz, the presiding judge, handed Miklic a life sentence with a 13-year parole ineligibility period, emphasizing the inexplicable and incomprehensible nature of the crime. The prosecution highlighted Davidson’s positive attributes, describing him as a loving, witty individual who cherished his family and friends. Davidson’s dreams of introducing his girlfriend to his family on Vancouver Island were tragically shattered, with his funeral serving as the meeting place instead.
