Sentencing arguments made in fatal stabbing case
LETHBRIDGE – The sentencing decision for a 41-year-old man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter early last year has been adjourned, giving the judge time to consider his decision.
Stacey Charles Wahpistikwan admitted to fatally stabbing 36-year-old Silas Kiseyinewakup on the night of Sept. 22, 2015, after a night of drinking near Taber. He said they were involved in a consensual fight, and that Kiseyinewakup pulled a knife, which he managed to gain control of and used to stab the victim.
He entered his guilty plea in January of 2017, but sentencing was delayed multiple times as the court awaited the completion of pre-sentence and Gladue reports. Those were ordered to assess Wahpistikwan’s prospects of rehabilitation and how his Aboriginal background may have impacted his life.
During Wednesday’s, Feb. 14, sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Lisa Weich argued for a term of seven-years in prison, while defence lawyer Greg White suggested a range of four-to-five years.