How much time could UW stabber spend behind bars? Court hears recommendations
A judge will determine if the 2023 triple stabbing at the University of Waterloo constitutes an act of terrorism and, if it is, what Geovanny Villalba-Aleman’s sentence should be.
Villalba-Aleman has already pled guilty to four charges, including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon, for the attack in a gender studies classroom.
At his sentencing hearing this week, court heard from Villalba-Aleman’s victims, a psychologist who evaluated him and, on Thursday, arguments for and against the terrorism charge.
The Crown is recommending a 16-year sentence if Justice Frances Brennan rules Villalba-Aleman’s actions were an act of terrorism, or 13 years if she decides it was hate-motivated. The judge can also reject both options and, if so, federal prosecutors are seeking a 10-year term.
All three are slightly less than the maximum allowable. The Crown cited several mitigating factors, including: Villalba-Aleman’s guilty plea, his lack of a previous criminal record, family support and academic record.
Prosecutors also considered aggravating factors, like the planning and deliberation of the act, weapons used, the victims involved and length of the attack, which was approximately two minutes from start to finish.
Villalba-Aleman’s lawyers argued it shouldn’t be considered terrorism as the Crown did not prove that it was driven by an ideology, but rather, a belief that his rights and freedoms were personally being attacked by progressive groups.
As for what will happen to Villalba-Aleman after he serves his sentence, the Crown said they’ll seek a deportation order to send him back to his home country of Ecuador.
The defense will continue its submissions on Friday but no decision is expected for at least two months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
'Mayday!': New details emerge after Boeing plane makes emergency landing at Mirabel airport
New details suggest that there were communication issues between the pilots of a charter flight and the control tower at Montreal's Mirabel airport when a Boeing 737 made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
BREAKING Supreme Court affirms constitutionality of B.C. law on opioid health costs recovery
Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that would allow British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories and the federal government.
Cucumbers sold in Ontario, other provinces recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A U.S. company is recalling cucumbers sold in Ontario and other Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
Real GDP per capita declines for 6th consecutive quarter, household savings rise
Statistics Canada says the economy grew at an annualized pace of one per cent during the third quarter, in line with economists' expectations.
Nick Cannon says he's seeking help for narcissistic personality disorder
Nick Cannon has spoken out about his recent diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, saying 'I need help.'
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.