By Taylor MacPherson

Ermine sentenced to life; no parole for 10 years

May 19, 2017 | 12:00 PM

A convicted murderer sobbed openly at her sentencing hearing this morning, and apologized for the pain she has caused her victim’s family.

Robyn Laura Ermine, 30, was found guilty of murder by a Prince Albert jury Wednesday in the 2015 stabbing death of her fiancée Evan Tylan Bear. During a fight in the couple’s Muskoday home, Ermine struck out at the 27-year-old Bear with a kitchen knife, severing a major artery. Today Ermine was given the mandatory life sentence which accompanies a murder conviction, but will be eligible for parole in 10 years – the shortest period allowed under the law.

The jury did not make a recommendation on parole. Crown Prosecutor Jeff Lubyk said the Crown is satisfied with the 10-year minimum period.

Given the chance to speak before the sentence was imposed, Ermine took the opportunity to express remorse for her crime.

“I just want to start off by saying I’m sorry for what I’ve done,” she said tearfully. “There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about him.”

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Ermine apologized for the pain and hurt she has caused both Bear’s family and her own. She also expressed regret for leaving the scene of the stabbing before the ambulance arrived, but said she did so because she knew paramedics would not enter the home while the perpetrator was still inside.

“Every day I think about me leaving the scene,” she said. “I should have stayed right by his side…I wish I could bring him back.”

Justice Brian Scherman said he believed Ermine’s remorse to be genuine, and noted Ermine’s sobriety since the murder improves her chances at rehabilitation as alcohol played a huge role in the case.

“She hasn’t had a drink since that night,” Scherman said. “I think that’s significant.”

Ermine shared hugs with family members before being shackled and taken into custody by deputy sheriffs.

Moments after the hearing, tensions between the families of Bear and Ermine boiled over in the hallway outside the courtroom. Ermine’s mother Leona Bear hotly criticized media coverage of the trial and accused Evan Bear of causing Ermine to miscarry earlier in their relationship, a fact Ermine testified to during her trial.

“He killed his baby,” she announced loudly. “He’ll never hurt anyone again.”

“How can you be so hateful?” a member of Evan Bear’s family responded.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews