Two of the harshest penalties, for second-degree murder and manslaughter, were handed down in a Regina court on Friday for what the judge called “a crime of cruelty and inhumanity.”
Justice Ellen Gunn sentenced 39-year-old Tammy Goforth to life in prison with no chance of parole for 17 years for second-degree murder while her husband, 40-year-old Kevin Goforth, was sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter.
Both were also sentenced to five years for causing bodily harm. That sentence will be served at the same time.
The Goforths were caregivers of two sisters aged two and four in the summer of 2012 when the little girls were rushed to hospital severely malnourished and covered in bruises. The four-year-old died, while the two-year-old recovered.
The justice told the court sometimes a grave punishment is required for a grave crime and said this is such a case.
Justice Gunn said “death came slowly and painfully for the four-year-old. It was protracted and profound malnutrition, not a momentary lapse on the part of Tammy Goforth.”
Justice Gunn said she believes the starvation lasted for at least a month. She says it would have been obvious to anyone the girls were in dire need of medical attention.
She added, “there are no real answers as to why.”
The grandmother of the girls praised the judge’s decision.
“It paid off today,” the grandmother said. Her name cannot be used in order to protect the identity of the victims.
“We are just happy because of these babies, they didn’t have a voice. Nobody stuck up for them at the time this was being done to them and today their voices were heard.”
Senior prosecutor Kim Jones was gratified by the judge’s decision. He says it has been a draining experience for everyone involved.
“Quite frankly it was trying on all parties: crown counsel; the defense counsel. It has been a very difficult journey for everybody and I’m glad the journey is over.”
The defense is weighing its options on whether it plans to appeal. Defense lawyer Jeff Deagle says the penalties were higher than he expected.
The Goforths sat quietly in the prisoners dock, holding hands during the more than two hours it took for Justice Ellen Gunn to sentence them.
Kevin Goforth is being held in protective custody because of threats made against him.
A large group of supporters shouted out “we love you” as the Goforths were led out of the courtroom.