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.
