Cody Halkett, 21, is going to prison for life.
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the death of a 16-year-old woman back in May of 2009.
It's rare for someone convicted of manslaughter to get a life sentence but Crown prosecutor, John Morral, said Halkett got the sentence he did because of the viciousness of the crime.
Morral said he severely beat the victim in an alley, and then drove a wooden stake through her throat.
“The injuries were mainly head trauma, and of course, there was also a stake driven through her throat in this circumstance. She had bruises, contusions, lacerations all throughout her body. It was a completely vicious beating,” said Morral.
And what's worse, she didn't die instantly.
“It would take about 15 to 30 minutes for her to die, although a significant portion of that time she would be unconscious,” said Morral.
Halkett then dumped her body in an abandoned car.
During the court proceedings, Halkett had his head bent the entire time. He never looked up, even during the family’s victim impact statement where they spoke directly to him.
The victim's mother looked directly at Halkett and said, “You are a mother's worst nightmare. You don't deserve to be forgiven.”
The sister also spoke to him, stating, “I can’t forgive you right now, but if I ever want to see my sister’s beautiful face again, I’ll have to learn to.”
The motive behind Halkett’s actions was never discussed in court. However, it was revealed that Halkett and the victim were both drinking at Kinsmen Park, along with other friends. Halkett was seen hitting on the 16-year-old and kissing her. The victim was very drunk, to the point of being sick. They were then seen leaving the park together at about midnight, with the victim wearing Halkett’s zip up jacket.
Police found the zip up jacket in a trash bin, and it contained both the victim’s and Halkett’s DNA on it. Police also found a bloody pair of socks and shorts in Halkett’s trash.
Halkett has two children, and his girlfriend is expecting a third. The victim was also a mother.
Halkett will be eligible for parole in seven years.
