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 Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.