Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 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

Revenue agency ramps up for tax season

Revenue agency ramps up for tax season
As the economy went into a downward spiral, with three million jobs lost and more having their hours slashed, the government pushed off the filing deadline and collection efforts. That move freed CRA officials to focus on doling out pandemic aid, and aimed to keep more cash in the pockets of Canadians to help them pay the bills.    

Revenue agency ramps up for tax season

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February
Statistics Canada says that excluding gasoline prices, the headline inflation rate would have been 4.7 per cent in February. Grocery store prices were up 7.4 per cent for the largest yearly increase since May 2009, pushed higher by rising fuel costs that are being passed on to consumers.

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February

Ukraine response means 'heartbreaking' choices: PM

Ukraine response means 'heartbreaking' choices: PM
A defiant Zelenskyy, clad in his trademark olive-green military T-shirt, evoked some of the darkest memories in American history Wednesday as he urged members of the U.S. Congress to shutter the skies over his besieged country.    

Ukraine response means 'heartbreaking' choices: PM

Federal parties subject to B.C. privacy law: order

Federal parties subject to B.C. privacy law: order
The decision from the office of B.C.'s privacy commissioner asserts that federal parties are also subject to the province's privacy law when it comes to the collection, use and disclosure of the personal information of B.C. residents.

Federal parties subject to B.C. privacy law: order

Zelenskyy pleads for more help from Canada

Zelenskyy pleads for more help from Canada
"Every night is a horrible night," he said, speaking in Ukrainian, to a crowded House of Commons where almost every MP, many senators and dozens of members of the public gathered to listen.

Zelenskyy pleads for more help from Canada

Governor General meets Queen in person

Governor General meets Queen in person
The Queen wore a sapphire brooch given to her by former governor general David Johnston in 2017 to mark her 65th anniversary. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is being commemorated across the Commonwealth this year.

Governor General meets Queen in person