SASKATOON – It was an emotional day in court for the family of Dustin Boulet as Estevan Fuenzalida, the man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in his death, was given a two-year sentence.
In addition, Fuenzalida was given six-months for accessory after the fact and credited ten-and-half months for time served in remand.
Boulet was stabbed in Saskatoon on March 1 while out celebrating his 29th birthday.
In handing down his decision, the judge stated the sentence has to be a deterrent to dissuade others from carrying a knife into a similar situation.
“If Estevan didn’t have the knife, Dustin wouldn’t be dead,” stated the judge.
Prior to sentencing, emotions ran high in the court room as victim impact statements were read.
“Our bond was so strong and pure, I was stabbed when Dustin was stabbed,” read Boulet’s mother Christina.
“The last vision of my son was Dustin being wheeled into surgery with blood coming out of his mouth.”
It was a sentiment echoed by his father Glenn, who called himself broken and said his loving, beautiful wife also died the day their son did.
Outside of court, Boulet’s parents expressed their displeasure with the sentence.
Fuenzalida apologized in court to the family for his involvement in the fatal stabbing.
“If Mr. Dustin Boulet can hear me today I want to say I’m sorry your life got taken early,” said Fuenzalida.
The Crown had been looking for a sentence of four to six years while the defence asked for a maximum of one year.
A second man, Nathan Joseph, is charged with second-degree murder in Boulet’s death. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 3 for case management.
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