It was not proven in Court that they were armed. That said it maybe due to the RCMP not following procedures with the vehicle and evidence. The Judge did direct the jury to give appropriate weight to this, witnesses as well as submitted and circumstantial evidence.

The witness that said victim was in the passenger seat and shot twice admitted she was drunk, only recalled parts and changed her story more than once. The forensic experts testified the bullet path showed he was most likely in the drivers seat, only shot once and not shot in the back of the head.

More info about this case including transcript of Judges detailed instructions to Jury before deliberating.
https://wp.me/p1fJaD-1fr

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Below is an article with some comments from several firearm experts that have strong doubts about the claims of hangfire and one who gives a possible alternate cause of claimed unexpected discharge.

Would a Jury that included some aboriginal Canadians come up with a different decision? I would think not if they followed the Judges detailed deliberation instructions. They sound more than reasonable.

It is pretty clear more needs to be done to improve the situations for many aboriginal Canadians as well as for farmers, others and communities affected by higher rates of property and other serious crimes.

http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/gerald-stanleys-magical-gun-the-extremely-unlikely-defence-that-secured-his-acquittal