Halkett Given Life Sentence For Manslaughter
Monday, October 18, 2010 at 16:25
A 21-year-old man has pleaded guilty in the manslaughter death of a 16-year-old girl from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
Cody Halkett sat in the prisoner’s box with his head down as family members of the late girl read victim impact statements in court.
Both the mother and sister of the girl said their lives were forever changed by her death and their lives would never be the same.
Court heard how Halkett and the girl were at a party in Kinsman Park in early May of 2009.
The girl was severely intoxicated and eventually left with Halkett.
Her family reported her missing two days later.
Then, a few days later, her badly beaten body was found in an abandoned car in an alley.
Police discovered a bloody stick nearby, as well as some bloody clothing.
Halkett was initially charged with second-degree murder, but instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The judge accepted a joint submission by the Crown and defence for a life sentence with no chance of parole for seven years.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Crown prosecutor John Morrall said this type of sentence is rare in a manslaughter case, but added the “viciousness” of the crime warranted the length of sentence that was given.
The family of the victim did not comment as they left court.