Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Woman Who Killed Stepdaughter Should Serve 18-20 Years Before Parole: Crown

The Canadian Press, 06 Sep, 2016 12:22 PM
    TORONTO — Prosecutors say a woman who killed her teenage stepdaughter more than two decades ago should spend 18 to 22 years in prison before having a chance at parole.
     
    In its sentencing arguments, the Crown says Elaine Biddersingh committed an egregious breach of trust in subjecting her 17-year-old stepdaughter to "prolonged slow suffering" and was an equal partner in her death.
     
    Biddersingh was convicted in June of second-degree murder in the death of Melonie Biddersingh, whose frail body was found in a burning suitcase in an industrial parking lot north of Toronto in 1994.
     
    The teen's body went unidentified for years until 2011, when her stepmother told an Ontario pastor the girl had "died like a dog'' after being confined and denied food and medication.
     
    The conviction carries an automatic sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 10 years.
     
    Melonie's father, Everton Biddersingh, was found guilty in January of first-degree murder in his daughter's death.
     
    Elaine Biddersingh may not have beaten the teen, but Crown prosecutor Anna Tenhouse argued she was "an equal partner" to the abuse that Melonie suffered, which included food deprivation and confinement.
     
    Though she did not testify at trial, Biddersingh's lawyers suggested Melonie's father was to blame for the teen's death, while his wife was a victim of domestic abuse.
     
    Biddersingh had plenty of opportunity to save Melonie but instead committed a brutal crime against a helpless child who depended on her, Tenhouse told court.
     
    Biddersingh, who wore a dark green sweatsuit, shook her head at times during the hearing and at one point put her fingers in her ears. At other times, she clutched a Bible.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Man Strips Nude At Penticton, B.C., Gas Station After Bear Spray Accident: Police

    Man Strips Nude At Penticton, B.C., Gas Station After Bear Spray Accident: Police
    RCMP spokesman Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth said officers were called to a local gas station shortly before 2 a.m. on Aug. 24 to find the victim completely naked.

    Man Strips Nude At Penticton, B.C., Gas Station After Bear Spray Accident: Police

    Organizer Of Jeep Event Says Stunt That Led To Woman's Death Was Not Planned

    Organizer Of Jeep Event Says Stunt That Led To Woman's Death Was Not Planned
    Melinda Green, who was 20, was killed when she was crushed between two Jeeps 

    Organizer Of Jeep Event Says Stunt That Led To Woman's Death Was Not Planned

    'I Never Want To Have To Scream Like That Again:' Alberta Woman Falls Down Well

    'I Never Want To Have To Scream Like That Again:' Alberta Woman Falls Down Well
    Trieva McBeth plunged more than two metres into the grass-covered, abandoned well while she was walking her dog near Redwater on Monday.

    'I Never Want To Have To Scream Like That Again:' Alberta Woman Falls Down Well

    Newfoundland Singer Decries 'Trolls' Criticizing Selena Gomez's Concert Cancellations

    Newfoundland Singer Decries 'Trolls' Criticizing Selena Gomez's Concert Cancellations
    Jerry Stamp, who retired from music because of his own auto-immune disease, said he's not a particular fan of Gomez's music, but her battle with lupus has impressed him.

    Newfoundland Singer Decries 'Trolls' Criticizing Selena Gomez's Concert Cancellations

    Toronto Man Charged With Performing Marriages Without Legal Authority: Police

    Toronto Man Charged With Performing Marriages Without Legal Authority: Police
    Police Allege Paul Cogan, 69, Performed Wedding Ceremonies Illegally In Ontario From 2013 To 2016.

    Toronto Man Charged With Performing Marriages Without Legal Authority: Police

    September 11th Is Oral Cancer Screening Day In Surrey

    September 11th Is Oral Cancer Screening Day In Surrey
    The clinic will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the new Pacific Oral Health Center building located at 15850 24 Avenue Surrey. 

    September 11th Is Oral Cancer Screening Day In Surrey