Final sentence in Lepretre murder to be handed down

Oct 11, 2016 | 11:57 AM

KAMLOOPS — Sentencing submissions have begun for one of two men involved in a murder in Downtown Kamloops more than five years ago.

Archie LePretre was stabbed and beaten to death on March 22, 2011 while playing basketball at Stuart Wood Elementary.

On Tuesday at B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops, Lepretre’s family members read emotional victim impact statements describing how they have suffered since his murder five and a half years later, driving some to depression and to drug and alcohol use.

WATCH: Full report by Chad Klassen

Chantelle Tremblay, a cousin and adopted sister of Lepretre’s, says “we’re a family of broken people. Every day, there’s a void in my heart that cannot be healed with time.”

Lepretre’s death has never left them. Around 5 p.m. on March 22, 2011, the 23-year-old Lepretre and his cousin Mohamod Tremblay were cornered by three men, including Johnny, who used a knife to stab Lepretre eight times.

Lepretre, an innocent bystander, according to Crown Counsel, died on the scene. 

His sister, Kristi Deranger, expressed grief as well, saying “this is something that will haunt me for the rest of my days.”

She added, “who could be so callus to kill Archie with his big smile?”

That smile is how they try to remember him, always laughing and making time for family, despite working two part-time jobs on the Coast.

Johnny’s sentencing could come as early as Wednesday afternoon at B.C. Supreme Court. 

Anthony Scotchman is serving a prison sentence after pleading guilty to manslaughter.