Man convicted for 2008 killing of former boss loses appeal of his sentence

The man convicted of shooting and killing his boss at a Vancouver Christmas party in 2008 has lost his appeal to have his life sentence reduced.

The B.C. Supreme Court found Eric Kirkpatrick guilty and convicted him of second degree murder in 2010.

Kirkpatrick had been fired the day before an office Christmas party in December 2008. On the day of the party, he walked in and shot and killed his former boss, 40-year-old Ben Banky.

He was given life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years.

Today his defense made the argument in front of three judges that 15 years is too long and instead, Kirkpatrick should be eligible in 10 years. 

At the time of the shooting he was 63 years old, had epilepsy and suffered from depression as well as the death of his wife.

If released after a 15 year parole, Kirkpatrick would be 78 years old.