The Barrogo family, like many Filipinos, moved from the Philippines to Canada in search of a better life. Parents Manuel and Maria settled in Winnipeg Center, Manitoba, raising their five children: John Emmanuel, John Christian, John Lloyd, John Paul, and Maria Angela. While the area provided opportunities, it was not without its struggles.

The family worked hard to adjust to the new culture and climate, striving to provide for their children’s needs. Despite living in what is considered one of Canada’s most impoverished urban neighborhoods, the Barrogo children grew up respectful and appreciative of their parents’ sacrifices, all dreaming of their own bright futures.

John Lloyd, in particular, was described by friends as kind, friendly, and a good person. After graduating high school in 2021, he dreamed of becoming a chef. Lacking the immediate funds for culinary school, he didn’t despair; instead, he found a full-time job as a beer vendor at the nearby North End Hotel in November 2021.

His parents supported his independence. The job was within walking distance, and his mother, Maria, or one of his siblings would often pick him up after his shifts. He responsibly gave his earnings to his parents to help with rent and food, diligently saving what he could for his culinary school tuition.

This promising start to his adult life came to a tragic end on February 15, 2022. John Lloyd was working the closing shift. As his family waited for his usual text to be picked up, they grew worried when he never called. His brother went to check on him.

He arrived at the hotel to a horrifying scene. John Lloyd was unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Emergency services were called, but despite their efforts, the 21-year-old succumbed to his injuries. His passing became the seventh homicide in Winnipeg that year.

Investigators quickly pieced together the events. Shortly before 2:00 a.m., three masked men burst into the establishment.

One, identified as William Arthur Samson, 51, brandished a .22 caliber firearm, shouted at John Lloyd, and struck him in the back with the weapon, knocking him down.

Terrified, John Lloyd fully complied with their demands, handing over all the cash from the register and various liquor products, hoping to save his life. He slowly backed away to show he was not a threat. However, even after getting everything they wanted, Samson fired at John Lloyd, fatally wounding him.

Police arrested Samson, Ryan Jerone Smith (40), and Robert Gordon Francis (51). All three were charged with homicide and armed robbery. The prosecution sought harsh sentences, noting the perpetrators were repeat offenders with long criminal records.

The defense for Samson attempted to use his difficult upbringing, racial discrimination, and health problems as mitigating factors. The judge, however, sentenced Samson to life in prison, though he will be eligible for parole after 10 years due to his heart condition.

Ryan Jerone Smith pleaded guilty and received a seven-year sentence; having already served two years, he could be released by 2029. The third man, Francis, reportedly became a state witness and received no jail time.

The case also exposed gross negligence by the hotel employer. It was revealed this was the second time John Lloyd had been robbed at the hotel.

Furthermore, the panic button was not connected to the police but to the hotel receptionist, who would first review footage before calling 911.

The vendor area also lacked protective tempered bulletproof glass. The hotel pleaded guilty to workplace safety violations and was fined $35,000.

For the Barrogo family, the legal outcome was not justice. In a heartbreaking 2024 interview, Maria Barrogo revealed the incident destroyed her family. Her husband, a recovering alcoholic, relapsed due to grief. Her youngest child, traumatized, failed to graduate.

“No, it’s not the right justice,” Maria stated, her pain palpable. “I’m not okay. I’m just trying to be okay… how many times I have like, I want to give up… I wish I am the one who p@ssed away. But because I have other more children… I have to think twice.”