‘Why did mommy go to be an angel’: Victim impact statements read out in the sentencing of Koree Dockstater

The woman found guilty of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her friend in 2022 will be sentenced soon. CTV London’s Gerry Dewan reports.

Crown and defense lawyers were far apart today in their sentencing submissions, with very different perspectives on what a reasonable sentence be for a woman convicted of manslaughter.

Shaniqua Henry, 27, was found dead in the laneway of a Chippewas of the Thames First Nation home on July 19, 2022. Her one-time friend Koree Dockstater was charged with second degree murder in connection with her stabbing death but was ultimately convicted in July of last year of the lesser charge of manslaughter. She was granted bail at that time, returning to court on Friday for the sentencing hearing.

During testimony, the court heard that Dockstater and Henry had been driving around, using alcohol and drugs and arguing over a money issue. During the confrontation, Henry received stab wound to the heart that claimed her life.

In his submission, assistant Crown Attorney Jeremy Carnegie called for an eight-year sentence, with accommodation for time served and other credits.

The remaining time to be served would be slightly under four years.

In his submission Carnegie noted that, after stabbing Henry, Dockstater left her in the lane and drove away without calling 911.

Henry’s auntie Colleen McLaughlin read four victim impact statements into the court record. Included was one from Henry’s partner Alan Young.

In his statement, Young said their now 8-year-old daughter would ask, ‘Why did mommy go to be an angel." He said questions like that are hard to answer.

Conversely, Dockstater’s attorney Geoff Snow said his client shouldn’t spend another day in jail. He argued for a suspended sentence or, at the most, a two-year sentence which would be offset by time served and credited time.

A Gladue report was issued which identifies systemic issues affecting an Indigenous offender, often linked to colonialism and racism.

Snow told the court Gladue reports have been used for about 30 years but have had negligible impact on sentencing outcomes. He called on Superior Court Justice Marc Garson to change that practice.

Snow became emotional as he identified challenges that impacted the now 34-year-old Dockstater and noted that her own three children will suffer the consequences if she is sent to jail.

At the outset of the hearing, Justice Garson told the court he would need some time to consider his sentencing decision.