Former 'Riverdale' actor Ryan Grantham allegedly plotted killing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Former Riverdale actor Ryan Grantham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for killing his 64-year-old mother. It was also said that he had plans to kill Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

According to CBC News, Grantham shot his mother, Barbara Waite, in the back of her head. The 24-year-old actor had taken videos wherein he shows his mother’s dead body and confessed to killing her. This was shown in court as evidence for his trial. 

The following day, he loaded his car with munitions such as guns, bullets, and cocktails. He also had a map with directions to Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, with an impulse to kill the Prime Minister. Grantham didn't reach Trudeau's residence and turned himself to the Vancouver police instead. 

It was also read out in court that Grantham stated to the police and wrote in a journal that he wanted to kill Trudeau. 

 "I cannot explain or justify my actions. I have no excuse," Grantham said in a statement. 

"It hurts me to think about how badly I've wasted my life. In the face of something so horrible, saying sorry seems so pointless. But from every fiber of my being, I am sorry," he added. 

As per E News report, Chris Johnson, Grantham’s lawyer, highlighted that Grantham's mental illness was a contributing factor in all of his actions. 

"At the time of the offense, this killing was not done out of hatred or animosity," he said, "it was done in Mr. Grantham's disordered thinking, to prevent his mother from seeing what he thought he was about to do." 

The court also cited psychiatric reports that Grantham is undergoing an "intense period of clinical depression" and was "experiencing urges to commit violence and kill himself."

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, any indicial convicted of second-degree murder is eligible for parole after 10 to 25 years. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, NCMH’s crisis hotline is 0917-899-USAP (8727); (02) 7-989-USAP or 1553 (landline, toll-free).

Mental health advocacy group MindNation also has a 24/7 chat hotline that can be accessed here.