Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Man sentenced to 10 years in death of B.C. woman

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Mar, 2022 03:20 PM
  • Man sentenced to 10 years in death of B.C. woman

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - A man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the death of a 49-year-old woman in her home last year in New Westminster, B.C.

Carlo Tobias, who is 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder but pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter and being an accessory after the fact in the death of Ma Cecilia Loreto.

The defence and Crown counsel submitted a joint recommendation of a 10-year sentence, minus 18 months for time served, which Judge Peter La Prairie of the B.C. provincial court agreed to.

An agreed statement of facts read in court by Crown counsel Jay Fogel said Loreto was killed on March 17, 2021, before her burned body was found in Burnaby's Greentree Village Park the next day.

A youth, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with first-degree murder.

The agreed statement of facts says on the day Loreto was killed, Tobias punched her in the face at her home, rendering her unconscious, but he did not take part in stabbing Loreto afterwards.

"These stab wounds caused Ma Loreto’s death,” Fogel told the court. "Mr. Tobias did not participate in the stabbing. His involvement in the killing was limited to this punch."

Fogel read a victim impact statement from Loreto's sister that said some activities like playing music no longer make her happy as they remind her of her sibling.

"This loneliness has crushed my heart," the statement said.

Tobias did not address the court but his lawyer, William Nathanson, conveyed his client's remorse and apologies to Loreto's family.

Nathanson said his client turned himself in and his plea saved the court from a lengthy trial that would have subjected Loreto's family to more trauma.

"He accepts full responsibility of his actions," Nathanson said.

"Not only did he turn himself in to the police … he gave a full confession."

MORE National ARTICLES

Some colleges, universities to keep masking

Some colleges, universities to keep masking
The schools are opting for a more cautious approach to COVID-19, citing concerns about potential outbreaks, while provinces – including British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario – have pointed to promising public health indicators such as test positivity rates and hospitalizations as reasons for lifting mask mandates.

Some colleges, universities to keep masking

Illicit drug deaths in B.C. climbed in January

Illicit drug deaths in B.C. climbed in January
The coroner's service says illicit drugs caused 19 deaths in Northern Health, equal to a death rate of 74.5 per 100,000 residents, by far the highest rate of any health authority.

Illicit drug deaths in B.C. climbed in January

Man Shot in Guildford residence

Man Shot in Guildford residence
On March 10th, 2022 at 11:30 PM., Surrey RCMP received a report of shots fired in the area of 14100 and 104th Avenue. Frontline officers attended the area and located a male suffering from an apparent gun-shot wound.    

Man Shot in Guildford residence

B.C. Mountie charged with obstructing justice

B.C. Mountie charged with obstructing justice
The B.C. prosecution service says the officer in Kelowna was an investigator in the case. It says Const. Sean Eckland is due to appear in Kelowna provincial court on April 4.

B.C. Mountie charged with obstructing justice

VPD makes arrest after woman stabbed with hypodermic needle

VPD makes arrest after woman stabbed with hypodermic needle
VPD quickly arrested the suspect, a 27-year-old woman who lives in the neighbourhood. Kayla Elizabeth Kelly has now been charged for assault with a weapon.

VPD makes arrest after woman stabbed with hypodermic needle

336 COVID19 cases for Thursday

336 COVID19 cases for Thursday
There are 388 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 52 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, four new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,932.

336 COVID19 cases for Thursday