Family of Yukon Homicide Victim Reflects as Sentencing Approaches

The family of Anthony Primozic, a homicide victim from Haines Junction, Yukon, is preparing for the sentencing hearing of Seth Boss, who was convicted of manslaughter earlier this year in connection with Primozic's death. The hearing is scheduled for mid-September at Yukon Supreme Court in Whitehorse.

Anthony Primozic, 25, was killed in March 2022 in his bedroom at his mother's house. According to testimony at Boss's trial, Primozic died as a result of "multiple blunt and sharp force injuries." Seth Boss, who was 20 at the time and from Lower Post, B.C., admitted to the killing. During the trial, Boss claimed he was too intoxicated that night to know what he was doing. He was found guilty of manslaughter, which does not carry a minimum sentence in Canada and provides the possibility of anything from a short sentence to life in prison.

Monica Primozic, Anthony's mother, described her son as someone who was always willing to help others, including strangers. She recalled that Anthony was a trained heavy duty mechanic who enjoyed being outdoors and participated in hunting and fishing, often sharing what he caught with elders in his community. Monica recounted Anthony's early participation in Champagne and Aishihik First Nations culture camps, a tradition he continued into adulthood. A framed photo in Monica’s home depicts Anthony at age 12 after his first successful ram hunt, highlighting his long-standing connection to the land and his community.

Anthony's younger sister, Matsʼäsä̀na Mą, described him as a protector and a ringleader for his siblings, especially since Monica was a single parent. She noted that Anthony took on the role of "man of the house" and would both watch over and lead his sisters into mischief. Monica added that Anthony enjoyed sharing his knowledge, recalling his pride when invited to teach others how to hunt moose.

Although Anthony and Seth Boss knew each other from childhood, they were a few years apart and had not been in contact for years prior to the incident. The precise circumstances and motive for the violence on March 9, 2022, remain unclear.

As the sentencing approaches, the Primozic family, along with Haines Junction residents, has been gathering victim impact statements for submission to the court. Matsʼäsä̀na Mą has been distributing blank outlines for these statements with the goal of collecting "hundreds" to support a longer sentence for Boss. The family has also advocated for stricter sentencing for violent and repeat offenders, identifying Anthony's death as indicative of broader safety and justice issues in small communities.

Following Boss’s conviction in April, the Primozic family organized a demonstration outside the Yukon courthouse in Whitehorse, drawing hundreds of participants. Many attendees shared their own experiences with the justice system, highlighting concerns over perceived injustices and the adequacy of existing legal responses to violent crime in the territory.

The upcoming sentencing hearing has become a focal point for the family’s efforts to seek change. Monica Primozic emphasized the importance of attending the hearing, stating that the family feels responsible for representing Anthony, who "can't speak for himself."

In coping with the loss, Matsʼäsä̀na Mą has taken on activities and goals that Anthony had aspired to, such as bungee jumping and learning the Southern Tutchone language. She continues to support Anthony’s favourite hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, as a tribute to his memory.

The case has prompted the Primozic family to reflect on the broader implications of Anthony’s death for community safety and the criminal justice system in Yukon. They continue to advocate for judicial reform and hope that the collection of victim impact statements, as well as public attention on the case, will influence sentencing and policy discussions going forward.

The sentencing hearing for Seth Boss is set for mid-September. The outcome will be closely watched by the Primozic family, their supporters, and others concerned about violence and justice in Yukon’s communities.