Prince Albert manslaughter case results in 8 year sentence

Shortly after midnight, Ross’s roommate, awoken by the loud noise, got out of bed and told the partiers to leave. Several complied but Charles, who was highly intoxicated, remained and was later heard yelling, and began punching holes in the walls.

Concerned they might further upset her roommate, Ross told Charles to leave, telling him to “get the f…. out or I’m going to stab you.”

When Charles continued to resist, Ross stabbed him three times with a kitchen knife. The fatal blow was the one that pierced his heart.

Judge Healey stated the death of Brett Charles has had a devastating impact on all who knew him. (Image Credit: Gray’s Funeral Chapel.)

Shortly thereafter the roommate called 911 again to report the assault. When paramedics and police arrived, Charles was found lying face up on the floor and the knife was by his legs.

Ross told police Charles tripped on his shoes, fell and landed on the knife.

Ross was originally charged with second degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. At the time of the offence she was also on a release order from court and one of her conditions was to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

Justice Healey described Ross’s actions as inexcusable, senseless and ruthless.

“Miss Ross cut short and stole Mr. Charles’s life,” he said.

While acknowledging it was her apartment and Charles’s high level of intoxication, Healey said Ross had other options and did not have to kill him. Healey also stated the fact Ross was not the one to call 9-1-1 and lied to police about what happened.

“Or anyone else to assist Mr. Charles,” Healey said.

Ross’s sentence falls in line with the Crown’s submission. Defence suggested a prison sentence of three years was appropriate followed by three years probation.

With remand credit, Ross has about six years and nine months left to serve. Upon her release from custody, she’ll then be subject to a 10-year weapons prohibition that includes bear spray, guns and explosives.

Charles’ family members were in court for Monday’s sentencing hearing, and were visibly emotional. His mother told paNOW justice was not served.

Multiple members of the family had previously submitted victim impact statements, detailing the pain of their loss.

“Our family has tried to grieve together but the pain is different for each of us,” said one sister. “I feel guilty for moving forward, finding moments of happiness.”

She said his death shattered her family.

His lifelong friend said that Charles was a nurturing best friend who took care of his family before he cared for himself.

Ross submitted a handwritten letter of apology to the court for her actions and also spoke aloud when previously asked by Judge Healey if she wanted to say anything.

“I want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the pain I caused,” she said, adding a promise to change.

Ross’s mother was also in the courtroom on Monday.

Additional sentence

Two months prior to the death of Brett Charles, Ross was among multiple people arrested after a shooting incident at Northside.

While in police cells, after refusing to hand over her phone, Ross bit a police officer on the hand.

For the assault charge, she received a 60-day sentence which will run consecutively to the prison term.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

Prince Albert manslaughter case results in 8 year sentence

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