B.C. mother who murdered 8-year-old daughter dies in prison
Warning: This story contains disturbing details
A British Columbia mother who was convicted of killing her eight-year-old daughter by smothering her with a plastic bag has died in prison.
The Correctional Service of Canada says Lisa Batstone died in custody at the Fraser Valley Institution in Abbotsford, B.C., on Monday.
Batstone had been serving an indeterminate life sentence for the second-degree murder of Teagan Batstone since September 2019.
The B.C. Court of Appeal struck down Batstone's appeal for a reduced sentence in May 2022 after rejecting her earlier attempt to overturn her conviction in October 2021.
The correctional service says it is reviewing the circumstances of Batstone's death, adding that her next of kin has been notified.
Chris Szafron, assistant warden for management services at the Fraser Valley Institution, said the prison was unable to provide details about how Batstone died.
"We do a review of the circumstances, and because it was very recent we're not able to provide any initial information about cause of death or anything else," he said Wednesday.
Teagan's body was found in the back of a car in South Surrey on Dec. 10, 2014.
A B.C. Supreme Court judge found Batstone intended to smother her daughter before killing herself, but she ultimately could not follow through with the suicide.
The judge said Batstone did not want Teagan to be with her father after her suicide and therefore killing her daughter was a selfish act intended to hurt her ex-husband.
'NO CAUSE FOR MOURNING,' FATHER SAYS
Justice Catherine Murray said although Batstone was likely suffering from depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder at the time, her mental issues did not significantly mitigate her moral culpability.
The judge also said Batstone left notes in her home blaming her ex-husband for the murder and she told several lies to psychiatrists because she hoped to be found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.
Ex-husband Gabe Batstone told CTV News on Wednesday that the death of his daughter's killer means the family no longer has to endure the prospect of her potential release from incarceration.
"The death of Lisa Batstone, the convicted murderer of our beloved daughter Teagan, brings no cause for mourning from us," he said. "Her death does not erase the pain and loss of Teagan, whose absence is felt every day. Nothing can bring our precious daughter back, and this unalterable truth weighs heavily on our hearts."
The father said the news of Lisa's death felt like "a significant burden has been lifted," and added that "the safety of our family and community from a convicted child murderer is now assured, bringing a substantial relief amidst our enduring grief."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.