The guilty pleas by Hennessey and Cheeseman sparked immediate reaction in the two communities most closely tied to the crime and the suspects.
In Mayerthorpe, where the Mounties were shot and killed by James Roszko in March 2005, there was hope that pleas will bring lasting peace closer for the families and the community.
"It's just going to take a long time for everybody to put it behind them," said Mayerthorpe resident Bill Gleeson. "This might help with closure. We'll have to see."
Others in the town separated Roszko from his confessed accomplices.
"I don't believe they maliciously intended to hurt anyone," said Mike Mosher. "It's just picking up somebody, giving them a ride."
Court heard Hennessey and Cheeseman helped Roszko by driving him, and by supplying him with a rifle and ammunition. The weapon was not used to kill the Mounties.
In Barrhead, where Hennessey and Cheeseman lived and worked, there was a sense that justice was served.
"You can't get away with everything can you, the truth always comes out," said Barrhead resident Brent Houle.
But there was also some doubt.
"It's just too bad that they pleaded to a lesser charge," Dave King told CTV News. "I always thought if you're innocent then the justice system would protect you better."
In the months after Hennessey and Cheeseman were charged, some residents in Barrhead rallied around the pair, raising thousands of dollars for a legal defence fund.
With files from Erin Isfeld
