SUDBURY -- There was a sentencing hearing at the Sudbury courthouse on Monday for a brutal murder committed in 2017.
Darcy Sheppard, 32, admitted to beating, stabbing, and burning the body of 59-year-old Kenneth Edwards.
Sheppard was originally charged with first-degree murder, but in May of this year, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, arson, and causing indignity to a body.
In a joint submission, the Crown and the defence asked for a life sentence without a chance of parole for 17 years, a weapons prohibition, and a non-communication order with the victim's family.
Seven victim impact statements were read, all from members of Kenneth Edwards' family, including his daughter, who said "we have suffered an immeasurable amount."
Carolyn-Ruth Godfrey is Kenneth Edwards' ex-wife.
"He was a loving father and a loving grandfather. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for anybody, and I think that he portrayed his true colours when he took Darcy Sheppard in, out of a food bank, homeless, and invited him into his home for two weeks. And what that resulted in, his act of kindness, was his murder, horrific murder," said Godfrey.
During sentencing, Sheppard made brief remarks saying "I’m so sorry for taking the life of your loved one."
Glenn Sandberg s served as Sheppard's defence lawyer.
"He’s hoping that this event brings some closure to the family, as it will for him. He has a long journey ahead of him and hopefully the finality of today will help the family and the survivors of Mr. Edwards find their peace and move on with their lives as well," said Sandberg.
During his decision, Judge Dan Cornell called the case "the senseless killing of a man who did not deserve to die."
Judge Cornell agreed with the joint submission on the sentence.
That means, counting time already served, Sheppard is sentenced to life in prison and won’t be eligible for parole for 15 years.
