Second degree murder, Manslaughter with a firearm
R. v. M.M.
A publication ban applies. The offender is not named.
Sentence and the Crown's position
Both are life sentences, so the bars compare how long before parole can be considered.
What the law allows
The offender pleaded guilty to second degree murder and to manslaughter with a firearm for shooting two people in their homes in Creston and Kimberley on the same day in February 2022. The Crown and defence jointly recommended life imprisonment with parole ineligibility of 13 years, and eight years for the manslaughter. Justice Riley accepted the joint recommendation, finding that the use of a firearm in the victim's home and the multiple killings justified parole ineligibility above the 10-year minimum, while noting the offender's age, lack of a criminal record and guilty pleas.
In the judge's words
1In the final analysis, I certainly accept, based on the facts and I have found them, that there are aggravating features in this case, sufficient to bring the sentence for the second degree murder offence beyond the statutory minimum of ten years of parole ineligibility. The recommendation for a period of parole ineligibility of 13 years is appropriate.
The record
- Convicted of
- Second degree murder (CC 231(7))
- Manslaughter with a firearm (CC 236(a))
- Prior convictions
- 0 prior convictions1
- At the time of the offence
- Not stated1
- Defence asked for
- Life, no parole for 13 years1
- Mandatory minimum
- Applied1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: B. Caffaro, B. Pankoff
Defence: G. Verdurmen, D. Verdurmen
Sources
- R. v. M.M., 2026 BCSC 39 Court decision, CanLII, January 8, 2026
[7] … and the Crown and defence jointly recommend that the court impose a period of parole ineligibility of 13 years. On the manslaughter conviction relating to the killing of … the Crown and defence jointly recommend an eight-year penitentiary sentence.
[7] … and the Crown and defence jointly recommend that the court impose a period of parole ineligibility of 13 years. On the manslaughter conviction relating to the killing of … the Crown and defence jointly recommend an eight-year penitentiary sentence.
[11] There are three key statutory provisions relevant to the determination of a sentence for second degree murder. First, s. 235 of the Criminal Code provides that sentence for second degree murder is life in prison. Second, s. 745(c) states that an offender convicted of second degree murder is ineligible for parole for a minimum of 10 years, or any greater period of parole ineligibility as determined by sentencing judge.
[22] … was 62 years old at the time of the offences, and is now 66 years old. He has no prior criminal record.
In the final analysis, I certainly accept, based on the facts and I have found them, that there are aggravating features in this case, sufficient to bring the sentence for the second degree murder offence beyond the statutory minimum of ten years of parole ineligibility. The recommendation for a period of parole ineligibility of 13 years is appropriate.
[66] On the offence of second degree murder in the killing of … I sentence you to life in prison, and I set the period of parole ineligibility at 13 years. [67] On the offence of manslaughter involving a firearm in the killing of … I sentence you to a penitentiary term of eight years.
- R. v. M.M., 2026 BCSC 39 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia