Jean and Terry Cusworth don’t believe justice has been served. On Thursday Neil Snelson was convicted of manslaughter for beating 19 year old Jennifer Cusworth to death in 1993. The Cusworths, who attended the three week trial, are convinced he should have been convicted of first degree murder in the death of their daughter.
“Somebody couldn’t follow the dots,” said Jean Cusworth, fighting back tears.
“We believe the jury did the best it could, but I believe their efforts fell short of giving Jennifer the justice she deserved.”
The Cusworths were too emotional to talk to the media when the jury returned its verdict, so they held a news conference Friday at the RCMP detatchment.
Jean says there was never a doubt in her mind that Snelson was the killer. Her husband Terry initially harboured a few doubts, but he says that shortly after the trial began he become convinced that police had charged the right man.
The penalty for a manslaughter conviction ranges from a suspended sentence to life in prison. Jean believes Snelson deserves life, while her husband thinks an additional 5 to 10 years in prison is sufficient. Snelson has already spent two years in jail.
RCMP superintendent Bill McKinnon praised the Cusworths for their tenacity.
For 16 years they made annual visits to Kelowna to meet with the media and police investigators. “I’ve been a police officer for over 36 years,” said McKinnon. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
After today’s news conference Jean and Terry Cusworth gave carnations, which were Jennifer’s favourite flower, to reporters and police officers who have worked with them over the years.
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