Sentencing begins in case of fatal B.C. high school stabbing
The sentencing hearing is underway for a man convicted of fatally stabbing one Abbotsford high school student and seriously injuring another.
Letisha Reimer was 13 years old when Gabriel Klein approached her in the atrium of Abbotsford Senior Secondary in November 2016 and stabbed her to death. Klein also stabbed another student, who cannot be identified. The child was seriously hurt, but survived.
The sentencing proceedings began on Wednesday at the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster. Seven people, including Reimer’s mother and father, read victim impact statements to the court.
Reimer’s mother, Eliane, reflected on the day her daughter was stabbed. She recalled seeing Letisha lying on a stretcher and the lack of colour in her face being a sign her daughter was in grave danger. She then turned her attention to Gabriel Klein, who sat in the courtroom, and told him she hopes he can never escape the sound of Letisha’s screams as he stabbed her 14 times with a hunting knife.
Letisha’s father, Ulrich, called Klein a coward. He described his daughter as a strong girl, but powerless when Klein attacked her from behind. He said no sentence will compare to the loss the Reimer family will have to cope with for the rest of their lives.
The court also heard from the mother of the second stabbing victim. The child survived the stabbing, but suffered health complications for months, including severe nerve pain. The mother described feeling guilt every time her child celebrates a milestone, because Letisha’s parents won’t be able to have those moments with their daughter.
Last year, Klein was found guilty of second-degree murder and aggravated assault. Shortly before the initial sentencing date, Klein’s lawyer applied for him to be deemed not criminally responsible due to mental illness. A judge dismissed that request last April. Klein, now in his mid-20s, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the days after the attack.
A second-degree murder conviction carries a life sentence, however parole varies from 10 to 25 years. Crown counsel Rob Mcgowan is asking for 18 years before parole eligibility, saying the violent attack was unprovoked and against two defenseless children who were going about their day in school. Defence argues Klein should be eligible for parole in 12 years.
Crown is also asking for the Correctional Service of Canada to determine where Klein will serve his prison term. Defence, however, wants the judge to make that decision.
A sentence is expected to be delivered by the end of the week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.