Keesha Bitternose’s family says justice was not served – Regina | The Canadian News

A 21-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years in prison this week for Regina’s first homicide in 2020. Initially charged with first-degree murder, Kurtis Thomas pleaded guilty in Queen’s Bench Court to a misdemeanor charge of involuntary manslaughter of Keesha. Bitternose.

Bitternose was 29 years old when he passed away. On January 5, 2020, the Regina Police Service (RPS) found her dead in a residence in the 1500 block of Cameron Street around 11 p.m.

Thomas was given credit for serving time in which he will serve more than 15 years in prison. But for the Bitternose family, it wasn’t enough.

“It is difficult to process. I expected more justice, ”said Lynea George, Bitternose’s sister. “I wish there were more results …[his sentencing] it should have been longer. “

The last two years have been difficult for the family as they want answers in the death of their loved one. It still seems unreal to George, as he knew his sister had so many plans.

“[Keesha] He said that his 30 years would be his year, ”he said. “She wanted her children under one roof again and she wanted to continue her post-secondary education. [education]. But his life was cut short. “

Bitternose left four children who are between 7 and 13 years old. George describes his sister as outgoing and funny.

“He had a lot of humor,” George said. “She [was] it’s always fun to be around. “

Bitternose’s father, Arlen, said that every morning when he wakes up, he thinks of his daughter. Remembering the life she once lived and appreciating a photographic memory of her as a baby is ingrained in her mind. It is what helps you through your grieving process.

“She came to me in my dreams a couple of times. She told me what they did to her, I didn’t believe it until I heard it [in court],” he said.

Due to the prohibition of publication, the details of the facts presented in the sentence could not be revealed due to the motive of the two defendants who are still before the courts. But despite Thomas’ 18-year sentence, Bitternose’s father says justice was not served.

“I felt [yesterday’s] the sentence was unsatisfied, “he said. “Hear what [the accused] he had done her … the sentence was not long enough for me. “

Thomas was one of three people charged with Bitternose’s murder. Dillon Ricky Whitehawk, 25, of Regina and Kelly Renee Stonechild, 26, of Regina were also charged with Bitternose’s murder. His trials will happen sometimes next year.

For the family, waiting for the next two tests stops their grieving process. George said that even though the defendant is sentenced, he does not bring his sister back.

“As much as we want to put it behind us and move on on our healing journey, we still have two more tests to come,” George said. “It feels like we take one step forward to take 10 steps back. It’s hard.”