A sentence for 18-year-old Ryan Bates is expected to be handed down on Thursday in connection with the stabbing death of John Ferreira.
The sentencing hearing began on Tuesday with presentations from the Crown and defence attorneys, as well as victim impact statements.
Many of Ferreira's family and friends were in the courtroom, and the statements read to the court describe him as a kind, loving and generous man.
In her statement Amy Banwell, Ferreira's daughter, says "He was always full of life. He enjoyed living life to the fullest every day. He liked having his family around, his friends. There was always good times when he was in the room, he'd light up the room when he walked in."
While the defence is asking for a sentence of seven to nine years for Bates, the Crown is asking for much more.
Prosecutor Mark Poland says "We're seeking a sentence of 12 to 14 years in this case and that has to do with the significant violence that was perpetrated on New Year's Eve and also as a result of Mr. Bates' criminal background.
Ferreira, 60, was walking home with his son on New Year's Eve in 2010 along the Iron Horse Trail in Kitchener when a confrontation occurred and he was stabbed seven times.
His son was also stabbed one in the neck, but survived the incident.
Bates pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in the case. While he was 17 at the time of the murder, he agreed to be sentenced as an adult.
Another youth accused in the case, who was 16 at the time of the stabbing, pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced to time served and two years of probation.
