A Calgary man who plunged a sword into his roommate's chest during a dispute over loud music has been handed an eight-year prison sentence, but due to time already served, he will spend only 76 more days in custody.
Justice Nancy Dilts of the Court of King's Bench accepted a joint recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers on Friday, sentencing Michael Elendu to eight years for manslaughter in the death of Kyreese Wright, who was killed on December 16, 2020.
In addition to the prison term, Dilts ordered Elendu to serve one year of probation, during which he must undergo counselling, including anger management. The judge noted that the argument between Elendu and Wright escalated quickly, with both men threatening each other.
Elendu retrieved a sword while Wright went to a roommate's basement bedroom and asked for a gun. As Elendu stood outside the locked door, Wright suddenly opened it, and Elendu stabbed him in the chest. Dilts found that Elendu acted reflexively and did not intend to cause grievous harm, reducing the charge from second-degree murder to manslaughter.
During the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements were read from three of Wright's relatives, including his mother, Alison Halicki. She expressed no anger toward Elendu, saying, 'I don't carry any anger. I only have love moving forward because love always wins.'
Elendu apologized to the family, stating, 'I understand that apologizing does not bring him back' and acknowledging that he had deprived them of 'such an amazing friend and amazing brother.' Halicki replied, 'Thank you for that.'
Dilts called Wright's death 'a devastating tragedy' and noted the long and difficult journey for both the victim's family and Elendu. She accepted the joint sentence, which accounts for the time Elendu has already served.
