Ryan Grantham, once known for his roles in Riverdale and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, shocked the world when he was convicted of killing his own mother. The case not only stunned fans but also raised troubling questions about mental health, celebrity pressure, and accountability.
From promising child actor to a convicted felon, Ryan Grantham’s story is a grim reminder of how swiftly one can spiral into darkness. This article explores 5 shocking truths behind his criminal actions and the legal consequences that followed.
Who is Ryan Grantham? A Promising Young Actor
Before the world knew him for a crime, Ryan Grantham was celebrated as a talented young actor. Born in 1998 in British Columbia, Canada, he started acting at a young age and landed roles in several popular TV shows and movies.
Notable appearances include:
- Riverdale (as Jeffrey Augustine)
- Supernatural
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
He had a bright future ahead—until tragedy struck in March 2020.
The Shocking Crime — Ryan Grantham Kills His Mother
On March 31, 2020, Ryan Grantham shot and killed his 64-year-old mother, Barbara Waite, while she played piano in their home in Squamish, British Columbia. He used a .22-caliber rifle and later confessed through a video he recorded immediately after the murder.
The most chilling part? He said in his video:
“I shot her in the back of the head. She would have known it was me.”
He covered her body with a sheet, arranged candles around it, and rehearsed his next move.
Shocking Truth #1 — The Alleged Plan to Kill the Prime Minister
One of the most disturbing revelations came during trial proceedings: Ryan Grantham had planned to kill Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after murdering his mother.
He packed his car with three guns, ammunition, 12 Molotov cocktails, camping gear, and maps. He then began driving to Ottawa with the intent to assassinate Trudeau but turned around before reaching the destination.
Why did he stop? According to psychiatric assessments, Grantham experienced suicidal thoughts and extreme guilt, which ultimately prevented further violence.
Mental Health Struggles — A Long Ignored Warning Sign
Ryan Grantham had been battling severe mental health issues prior to the murder. His journal entries and therapy sessions, later used in court, revealed he suffered from:
- Clinical depression
- Social anxiety
- Self-loathing
- Cannabis dependency
He was also reportedly overwhelmed by school and his acting career, which led to withdrawal from society.
Warning Signs Before the Crime
Psychiatrists testified that Grantham had expressed violent ideations and suicidal thoughts to friends and in his journal. He had even contemplated committing a mass shooting or school shooting before settling on the idea of killing his mother.
Sadly, no intervention was made in time.
Shocking Truth #2 — A Chilling Confession on Camera
Shortly after killing his mother, Grantham recorded a video confession on his GoPro camera. In the footage, he walks viewers through the aftermath of the murder. He also shows his mother’s body, his guns, and the setup in his vehicle as he prepares to drive to Ottawa.
This footage became a key piece of evidence in the trial.
The Diary That Revealed His Intentions
In his personal diary, which police found after his arrest, Grantham wrote:
“I’m so sorry mom, I’m so sorry Lisa… I hate myself. There’s a lot of media of me out there… film and TV… hundreds of hours. I’m a piece of s***.”
This journal entry revealed a man in deep psychological torment, further complicating the moral and legal aspects of his case.
The Arrest and Charges Against Ryan Grantham
On April 1, 2020, Ryan Grantham turned himself in to Vancouver police. He walked into the station and calmly confessed to the murder.
Originally, he was charged with second-degree murder, a charge that in Canada carries an automatic life sentence with the possibility of parole after a minimum period.
His trial began in March 2022 and concluded in September 2022, with public interest skyrocketing as disturbing details came to light.
Shocking Truth #3 — The Courtroom Drama
Grantham pleaded guilty and showed visible remorse during trial proceedings. The defense leaned heavily on his mental health struggles, but the prosecution focused on premeditation.
Evidence like:
- Journal entries
- The GoPro footage
- Plans to assassinate Trudeau
…painted a picture of deliberate action rather than a crime of passion.
The Sentencing — Life Behind Bars
On September 21, 2022, the British Columbia Supreme Court sentenced Ryan Grantham to life in prison, with no possibility of parole for 14 years.
Justice Kathleen Ker called the case “heartbreaking” and noted the profound breach of trust involved in a child killing a parent.
Shocking Truth #4 — Public Reaction and Media Frenzy
The case quickly went viral. Social media, news outlets, and entertainment platforms exploded with headlines about Ryan Grantham’s crime. Some fans of Riverdale and Diary of a Wimpy Kid couldn’t believe the gentle-faced actor had committed such a heinous act.
YouTube videos with millions of views dissected every aspect of the case.
Reddit threads and Twitter hashtags (#RyanGrantham, #RiverdaleMurder) trended as people tried to understand the psychology behind his actions. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5vwzxAInPgXwW5Rs3Q
What Experts Say — Celebrity Pressure and Mental Illness
Several mental health experts weighed in on the case post-trial, suggesting that fame at a young age, without strong emotional support systems, can be dangerous.
Child actors like Ryan Grantham often:
- Struggle with identity
- Lack coping mechanisms
- Face intense media scrutiny
- Experience early burnout
Combine that with undiagnosed or untreated mental illness, and the result can be tragic.
Shocking Truth #5 — Ryan Grantham’s Life in Prison
Since his incarceration, Ryan Grantham has reportedly been undergoing therapy and participating in rehabilitation programs. According to sources close to the case, he has expressed regret and remorse.
However, his life behind bars is anything but easy.
Safety Concerns and Segregation
Due to his young age and notoriety, Grantham has been kept in protective custody for his own safety. Canadian prison systems often isolate such inmates to prevent abuse or retaliation.
Whether or not he can be reintegrated into society after 14 years remains to be seen.
Where Is Ryan Grantham Now?
As of mid-2025, Ryan Grantham is serving his sentence in a British Columbia correctional facility. He has no chance of parole until 2036.
He has largely disappeared from public life, though occasional reports emerge about his mental state and rehabilitation efforts.
Final Thoughts on the Ryan Grantham Case
The story of Ryan Grantham is not just about a murder—it’s about a deeper societal failure to recognize and address mental illness, especially among young people in the public eye.
His tragic descent from actor to killer holds many lessons:
- The importance of mental health support
- The dangers of untreated depression
- The need for community intervention
As Canada and the world look back on this case, the hope is that it sparks real change—so no other young person slips through the cracks so catastrophically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryan Grantham
What was Ryan Grantham convicted of?
Ryan Grantham was convicted of second-degree murder for killing his mother, Barbara Waite, in 2020.
How long is Ryan Grantham’s prison sentence?
He received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 14 years.
Did Ryan Grantham try to kill Justin Trudeau?
Yes, he confessed to planning to assassinate the Prime Minister but turned back before reaching Ottawa.
What shows did Ryan Grantham act in?
He appeared in Riverdale, Supernatural, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
