The sister of a Calgary man who was stabbed to death in 2020 is angry at what she calls the “poor sentence” her brother’s killer faces.
Jennifer Bawden describes her brother Dave as a gentle soul who adored her son.
“He was a super-friendly, generous guy who would help anyone when they needed help,” says Bawden, who is a writer, speaker and fashion designer who now lives in New York City.
“He was the sweetest guy. He will never hurt a fly. He helped all strangers when they needed help. “He was just such a special boy, but there is nothing I could have done to solve his problems,” Bawden said.
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The brothers and sisters were raised in a prominent Calgary family. Their father was businessman and Calgary MP Peter Bawden, who died in 1991.
Jennifer said Dave was abused as a child and suffered from mental health issues. He spent the last years of his life homeless.
“I always wanted to help Dave. I helped him in every way I could, but he had problems. He liked to be free. I got him so many accommodations and he left them for some reason. He just wanted to be free, “said Bawden.
On October 6, 2020, Dave was driving on Memorial Drive. A man from Calgary pulled over and picked him up.
Ronita Wildman was a passenger in the car.
Shortly afterwards, when the car was stopped at a red light, Wildman stabbed Dave in the heart.
He stumbled out of the car and his body was found along the road.
Wildman admitted that he fatally stabbed Dave and is charged with manslaughter.
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“We were devastated. I cried every day for two months, ”Bawden recalls.
Last week, Crown prosecutor Tom Buglas and defense attorney Jim Lutz filed a joint submission for a three-year sentence, which combined with credit for the time already served would cause Wildman to serve less than another 18 months.
“I shook my head in disbelief. Who is there to fight for my brother who is now dead? ” says Bawden, who watched the proceedings via video link.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Wildman has a history of mental health, addiction and homelessness.
The judge hearing the case is expected to make a decision on sentencing next month.
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