Abbotsford school killer Gabriel Klein parole eligibility set at 16 years

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) — Gabriel Klein, the man who stabbed two teens at Abbotsford Senior Secondary in 2016, killing one, won’t be able to apply for parole for 16 years.

Klein was sentenced Wednesday after being convicted of second-degree murder and aggravated assault in March 2020 in the attack that killed 13-year-old Letisha Reimer and seriously injured her friend. The conviction came with an automatic life sentence.

However, with time served, he can apply to get out in about 12 years.

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In November 2016, just hours after surveillance video showed him stealing alcohol from a liquor store and a hunting knife from a sporting goods store, Klein walked into Abbotsford Senior Secondary.

He later admitted to stabbing Reimer.

A statement from Reimer’s mom says while “No amount of jail time will bring back my daughter,” she is grateful for the decision.

“This was a long, heavy journey that was made more difficult by a process that was tilted to the whims of the criminal and yet, the love of family, friends and complete strangers helped lighten our load,” she wrote.

“Along with the 16 years of incarceration, I ask our Governments to review the court system as it pertains to not criminally responsible matters, so that victims are not re-victimized through the uncertainty and imbalance in the system. As well, there needs to be increased supports for those who struggle with substance addictions and mental wellness.”

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Klein’s lawyer argued because of his clients’ schizophrenia, he should not have been held criminally responsible for the crimes. However, the judge ruled Klein is to blame for what he did, saying there was no evidence in the case that mental issues affected Klein’s ability to see the consequences to his actions, and that his conduct was incomprehensible.

In Wednesday’s sentencing, the judge reviewed Klein’s life and family history, noting he is Métis, his mother has abused alcohol, and his great grandfather was a residential school survivor. However, the judge noted this does not reduce Klein’s moral culpability.

Klein is not a Métis citizen, but an elder has offered to work with him towards obtaining his card.

The Crown wanted 18 years before parole eligibility, while Klein’s defence asked for 12 years.

– With files from Terry Schintz

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