Mason Found Guilty, Rhaburn Walks Free in High-Profile Kidnapping Case

After nearly three hours of legal summing-up, the jury in the William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn trial delivered a dramatic verdict this afternoon. Mason was found guilty of kidnapping Mennonite couple Lloyd and Rosie Friessen, while Rhaburn was acquitted on all charges. The nine-member jury—five men and four women—deliberated for less than two hours before returning with their decision. Mason was convicted by a majority of eight to one, while all jurors agreed he was not guilty of blackmail. Rhaburn, meanwhile, was unanimously cleared of both kidnapping charges. Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who presided over the trial, reminded jurors that while he interprets the law, they are the judges of the facts. Mason’s sentencing has been set for June twentieth, 2025. Rhaburn, who had been remanded pending the verdict, walked out of court a free man. His attorney, Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson, praised the jury’s decision, calling the evidence against his client “so poor” that acquittal was the only outcome. Mason’s attorney, Peter Taylor, hinted at a possible appeal, calling the verdict “confusing.”