The Chilling Downward Spiral: 7 Shocking Facts About Ryan Grantham's Murder Of His Mother And Life Sentence

The tragic and deeply disturbing case of former child actor Ryan Grantham continues to serve as a stark warning about the hidden struggles behind a seemingly normal facade. As of today, December 10, 2025, Grantham is serving a life sentence in a Canadian correctional facility, having been convicted for the second-degree murder of his mother, Barbara Waite, in 2020. The details of the crime—from the calculated murder to his subsequent plot to assassinate a world leader—reveal a young man caught in a severe mental health crisis that culminated in an act of matricide that shocked the entertainment world and the public alike. The legal proceedings concluded with a definitive sentence, but the psychological complexity of the case remains a subject of intense scrutiny.

The case, which saw a plea of guilty to second-degree murder, brought to light the struggles of a former *Riverdale* and *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* star who was experiencing a catastrophic mental health breakdown. The court proceedings in the B.C. Supreme Court detailed a chilling narrative of depression, self-loathing, and a desire to "spare" his mother from witnessing the further violence he had planned. This article explores the definitive facts of the crime, the legal ramifications, and the shocking revelations that emerged during his sentencing hearing.

Ryan Grantham: Biography, Filmography, and The Victim

Ryan Grantham was a Canadian actor who began his career as a child, building a respectable resume of roles in film and television before his life took a dark and violent turn. His mother, Barbara Waite, was his primary supporter and the victim of his heinous crime.

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• Full Name: Ryan Grantham
• Date of Birth: November 30, 1998
• Place of Birth: Canada
• Education: Attended Simon Fraser University (SFU)
• Victim: Barbara Waite (Mother)
• Crime Committed: Second-Degree Murder (Matricide)
• Date of Crime: March 31, 2020
• Location of Crime: Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
• Sentence: Life in prison with 14 years of parole ineligibility

Selected Filmography and Notable Roles

Grantham’s acting career spanned over a decade, featuring roles in several high-profile productions:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010): Portrayed the role of Rodney James.
• Riverdale (2019): Appeared as Jeffrey Augustine, a character involved in the death of Fred Andrews.
• Supernatural (2008): Guest role in the long-running series.
• iZombie (2015): Appeared in the TV series.
• The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009): Appeared in a small role.
• Becoming Redwood (2012): Played the titular character Redwood, which earned him a Leo Award nomination.
• Barricade (2012): Played a supporting role in the horror film.

The Chilling Timeline of the Crime and Confession

The murder of Barbara Waite was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated crime that Grantham meticulously documented. The details revealed in the B.C. Supreme Court paint a picture of a severe psychological crisis escalating into violence.

On March 31, 2020, at their home in Squamish, Grantham shot his 69-year-old mother, Barbara Waite, in the back of the head while she was playing the piano. He used a .410 rifle, and the court heard that the murder was committed to "spare" his mother from the violence he intended to commit later.

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After the murder, Grantham covered his mother's body with a sheet, placed a rosary on the piano, and lit candles. He then spent the next day engaging in various activities, including smoking marijuana and watching Netflix. The following day, he loaded his car with three guns, ammunition, 12 Molotov cocktails, camping supplies, and a map with directions to Ottawa.

His initial plan was to drive to Ottawa and assassinate Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Grantham drove part of the way but ultimately turned around, deciding instead to drive to the Vancouver police department and surrender. He confessed to the murder, stating in an affidavit that he wanted to save his mother from seeing the horrific acts he believed he was about to commit.

The Legal Outcome: Second-Degree Murder and Life Sentence

Ryan Grantham was initially charged with first-degree murder, but he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder. This plea carries an automatic life sentence in Canada.

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Parole Ineligibility and Judicial Decision

The key point of contention during the sentencing hearing was the period of parole ineligibility. For second-degree murder, this period can range from 10 to 25 years. Justice Kathleen Ker of the B.C. Supreme Court handed down the sentence on September 21, 2022, setting the parole ineligibility period at 14 years.

Justice Ker considered several mitigating factors in her decision, including Grantham’s young age, his early guilty plea, his genuine remorse, and his lack of a prior criminal record. However, the chilling nature of the matricide and the subsequent plot to kill the Prime Minister were significant aggravating factors.

The Role of Mental Health and Remorse

Court testimony revealed that Grantham was suffering from a major depressive disorder, anxiety, and a substance use disorder in the months leading up to the crime. Two psychiatric reports submitted to the court indicated that he was experiencing an intense period of self-hatred and suicidal and homicidal ideations. The reports suggested that the actor killed his mother to spare her from witnessing his planned "rampage."

During the sentencing hearing, Grantham addressed the court, expressing his deep remorse. He stated, "I cannot explain or justify my actions. I have no excuse," and apologized for the pain he caused. The court noted that he is currently receiving psychiatric care while incarcerated, indicating a focus on rehabilitation.

The Impact on the Family and Grantham’s Prison Life

The crime had a devastating impact on Grantham's sister, Lisa Grantham, who discovered her mother's body. Lisa Grantham provided a powerful victim impact statement, describing her mother, Barbara Waite, as a kind, loving, and non-judgmental person. She stated that her brother was a "dangerous person" but also expressed a complex mix of grief and concern for his mental state.

Reports from the time of sentencing indicated that Grantham was initially placed in a maximum-security facility but was recommended for transfer to a lower-security prison. However, his lawyer noted that Grantham was extremely fearful of being victimized in the prison environment due to his small stature and the nature of his crime, which is known as matricide.

The ultimate goal of the sentence—and the 14-year ineligibility period—is to allow Grantham time for genuine rehabilitation while acknowledging the severity of the crime against his mother. The case serves as a poignant intersection of celebrity, mental health crisis, and the unforgiving nature of the Canadian criminal justice system.