Convicted murderer Nick Vanasse sentenced to life in prison
Nick Vanasse has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years for the second-degree murder of Steven Butler and an additional four years for the aggravated assault of Butler’s son Bradley.
"You killed more than just my best friend and husband that day,” Butler’s widow Nicole told court in a victim impact statement. “You took a good family and tore it apart for nothing more than your ego."
Butler’s mother, looking directly at Vanasse who didn’t make eye contact, said "I will never be the same. I'm broken and I will never mend. It's not something you get over. This will be with me ‘til the day I die."
Vanasse’s defence lawyer Michael Smith said Vanasse’s actions were “completely out of character” and said he is a "kind-hearted, quiet, family-oriented, non-violent individual.”
Smith said he was happy with the sentence Justice Kevin Phillips handed down.
"That way gives Nick a really good chance to, you know, do better and rehabilitate and that's what the system's about so I'm happy about that," Smith said.
The Crown says Vanasse has never shown remorse for his actions. When asked by Justice Phillips if he had anything to say, Vanasse replied "I wish this never ever happened."
"He didn't have to look at us, just tell the judge, 'I'm sorry for what I did that night, for my actions,' there was nothing," said Butler's mother after the ruling.
Delivering his sentence, Justice Phillips said "Mr. Vanasse let himself get caught up in a stupid chain of events that had him making one bad decision after another. In my view, it was all fuelled by immaturity, insecurity, and cowardice."
During the emotional victim impact of Butler's wife and mother, some people supporting Vanasse smiled, chuckled, and rolled their eyes at some of what was being said. His mother noticed and was visibly upset. Victim services went to speak with the Crown as a police officer asked to speak with one woman outside. She later returned to the courtroom.
Justice Phillips spoke directly to Butler’s family after they delivered their victim impact statements, saying "they really bring home the depth of your grief and the extent of your loss."
Butler's sister says they're now focused on healing
"We're so appreciative that we can go home knowing Steven and Bradley have some justice and we can maybe see some light now," said Sandra Ross.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.