'I'm guilty': Calgary woman convicted in 2003 murder testifies at faint hope hearing
CBC
When Nancy McKinnon murdered her estranged husband in 2003, she says she was a "horrible person" but the 52-year-old mother of three testified at her faint hope hearing Tuesday that she's changed in prison and is now "proud" of the woman she's become.
In 2004, McKinnon and her then-boyfriend Joey Bruso were convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Nick Maradyn. The pair were handed life sentences with no chance of parole for 25 years.
McKinnon's faint hope hearing began Tuesday as she looks to a jury to allow her to apply for parole before that 25-year eligibility period.
McKinnon was 33 years old at the time of the killing. She has spent the last 19 years and seven months in prison.
As it stands, McKinnon is eligible for day parole in June 2025 and full parole in June 2028.
These types of applications were abolished by parliament back in 2011 but those convicted before the legislation change can still apply after serving at least 15 years.
It is likely McKinnon is one of the last Calgarians who will go before a jury for such an application.
After delivering an opening statement, defence lawyer James McLeod called McKinnon as his first witness.
McKinnon says it took a decade but she has come to accept responsibility for her role in Maradyn's death.
"I'm guilty," she told jurors. "I got the ball rolling and it's all my fault."
In 2003, McKinnon and Maradyn were in the middle of a divorce.
In her testimony Tuesday, McKinnon said Maradyn was abusive and had, in the months leading to his death, attacked her oldest son.
McKinnon dated several men in 2003.
Before she met Bruso, McKinnon expressed to other boyfriends her desire to have Maradyn killed, telling them he was violent and harassed her. One man testified at her trial that she offered to give him some of the insurance payout if he killed Maradyn.
Saskatoon city hall says police spending is projected to be $2.6 million over budget this year. That pushes the city into a $1.2-million deficit position, according to a report that will be considered by city council next week.
Students at the University of Regina are days away from deciding whether a newly formed student association should become their official representative body.
All public schools on P.E.I. are closed Friday and thousands of Maritime Electric customers are without power as strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across the province.
Prince Rupert, B.C., residents are celebrating the holidays this year with coastal flair.
In the four years Chelsey Simmonds has worked at the Eva Rothwell Centre, she has seen the need increase every year at the centre’s community food pantry.
CBC is once again looking to make the holiday season kind in Windsor-Essex.
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.