A brazen daytime shooting in Windsor’s Little Italy neighborhood last summer nearly resulted in a life sentence for one of the perpetrators. The incident, described by the presiding judge as a “potentially deadly display of gun violence,” unfolded with shocking speed and left a man fighting for his life.
Kyle Small, 28, was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison, a punishment the judge stated was only avoided due to sheer luck. Justice Bruce Thomas directly addressed Small, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the thin line separating him from a far more severe fate.
The shooting stemmed from a dispute over the alleged harassment of a coffee shop employee. What began as a disagreement quickly escalated into a violent confrontation in a pharmacy parking lot, as Small and another man, John Managhan, opened fire on a 33-year-old victim.
Nine bullets tore through the victim’s body – five to the chest and abdomen, two to the back, and one each to an arm and leg. The judge underscored the incredible fortune that prevented a fatality, stating simply, “It’s just luck that he wasn’t killed.”
Managhan had previously been convicted and sentenced to eight years for his role in the shooting. Small, apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Michigan in November 2023, initially faced attempted murder charges but ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of aggravated assault just before his trial was scheduled to begin.
Standing before the court, Small offered a stark admission of guilt. “I did what I did, there’s no excuse for that,” he stated, acknowledging the wrongfulness of his actions and rejecting any plea for leniency. He spoke of wanting to move forward with his life, but understanding the consequences of his choices.
The courtroom was filled with Small’s family, including his girlfriend, who would later be granted a final embrace before he was led back into custody. Letters of support from former employers and the mother of his seven-year-old child painted a picture of a man capable of positive contributions, a stark contrast to the violence he inflicted.
While acknowledging mitigating factors like Small’s lack of prior criminal record and a difficult childhood – including witnessing the death of a former girlfriend – Justice Thomas stressed the need for denunciation and deterrence. He expressed deep concern over the escalating gun violence plaguing Windsor.
The judge reflected on a changing landscape of conflict, recalling a time when disputes were settled with fists and knives, not firearms. “Now everybody seems to have access to a firearm,” he observed, highlighting a troubling trend within the community.
Justice Thomas questioned Small directly, grappling with the decision to arm himself and enter such a dangerous situation. He urged Small to use his time in prison constructively, emphasizing the importance of not squandering the opportunity to rebuild his life for those who depended on him.
Outside the courtroom, Assistant Crown Attorney George Spartinos echoed the judge’s concerns, pointing to the influx of firearms into the city, many originating across the border. He expressed a growing alarm over the ease with which these weapons are becoming available.
With credit for time already served in pre-sentence custody, Small faces approximately four years and three months remaining on his sentence. The case serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of peace and the devastating consequences of gun violence within the community.
