Regina court hears sentencing arguments for man who fatally stabbed his wife in 2017
CBC
A Regina man who pleaded guilty to murdering his wife will serve a life sentence, but when he's eligible for parole is still to be determined.
Jason McKay was first convicted of the second-degree murder of his wife after a trial in 2020. At that time, the judge described the killing as one of "unspeakable brutality."
McKay killed his 33-year-old wife, Jenny McKay, in an attack that included stabbing her in the early hours of Sept. 6, 2017, at their home on Angus Street in Regina.
But McKay successfully appealed the 2020 conviction, arguing he should have been convicted of manslaughter because he could not form the requisite intent for murder.
Then, in a twist, McKay entered a surprise guilty plea to second-degree murder just days before his second trial was due to begin in January.
Second-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for a minimum of 10 years.
McKay killed Jenny in a "vicious and brutal" attack, according to an agreed statement of facts filed in court on Jan. 22.
On Wednesday, the Crown and the defence made arguments at Regina Court of King's Bench for when McKay should be eligible for parole.
The Crown argued he should not be eligible for 18 years, while the defence argued for 12. The eligibility period for a convicted killer starts from the date they were originally arrested.
The Crown began Wednesday's proceedings by reading numerous victim impact statements submitted since the first trial.
Many of Jenny's relatives wrote of fear for their safety following the murder, as well as strains and fractures in their relationships, finances and mental health.
In a newly submitted statement, Jenny's mother, Glenda Campbell, said a guilty plea "does not make everything OK."
“We have an emptiness and yearning that occupies our every space," Campbell said in the statement.
McKay's daughter Alyssa McKay, 25, gave her statement in person Wednesday, choking back tears at times.
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