A 13-year-old girl, involved in the 2022 swarming death of a homeless man in Toronto, received her sentence on Monday but will avoid further jail time. She is the first among the eight teenagers charged in the case. Pleading guilty to manslaughter, she remains unnamed due to Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Instead of additional jail time, the judge sentenced her to 15 months’ probation, adding to the 15 months she already spent in custody. The judge also mandated her participation in an intensive treatment program.
In late 2022, the group of girls, aged between 13 and 16, attacked 59-year-old Kenneth Lee in downtown Toronto, fatally stabbing him. Her lawyer, Leo Adler, conveyed her remorse, stating that she is horrified by her actions. The judge considered her 93 days in jail-like “closed custody” and repeated strip-searches, which violated regulations, before deciding on the sentence. Adler noted that the sentence is appropriate, reflecting the judge’s belief in her low risk of re-offending and her potential for rehabilitation.
This 13-year old girl plead guilty to killing Kenneth Lee – who was swarmed and stabbed to death.
She will not face further time in custody and instead will “participate in a community-based program.” 🤡
TRUDEAU Justice 😲 https://t.co/HggBG6DJdY
— 🇨🇦Schtev🍌 (@schtev69) September 16, 2024
Adler emphasised that although the incident was tragic, his client did not intend to kill that night. He highlighted the difference in how Canada treats 13-year-olds compared to adults, citing the distinct developmental stages of their brains.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Global News: The first teenager sentenced in the death of a Toronto homeless man, Kenneth Lee, receives 15 months probation and a community-focused program, highlighting accountability and institutional issues. (Read more)
- CP24 reports on the first teenager sentenced in the Kenneth Lee case receiving 15 months’ probation, reflecting accountability and institutional malfeasance experiences.
None. (Read more)
- DevDiscourse reports a 13-year-old girl charged in the 2022 Toronto homeless man’s death pleaded guilty to manslaughter, avoiding jail time with probation and treatment, highlighting Canada’s juvenile justice approach. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was the girl sentenced for?
She was sentenced for manslaughter in the death of a homeless man.
How old was the girl at the time of the crime?
Will the girl serve more jail time?
No, she will not serve further jail time.
What additional punishment did the girl receive?
She received 15 months’ probation and must complete an intensive treatment program.
Why did the judge consider not treating the girl like an adult?
Because in Canada, 13-year-olds have differently formed and functioning brains.