The parents of Kelowna college student Jennifer Cusworth, who was murdered 18 years ago, say they are satisfied a judge handed a 15-year sentence to Neil Snelson, 45.
“Nothing is going to bring Jennifer back,” said Jean Cusworth, mother of Jennifer Cusworth just moments after the sentence was announced. “I do not think any sentence would have delighted me but 15 years is reasonable.”
“I wanted life but I will accept 15 years,” she said.
“I am satisfied with 15 years,” said Terry Cusworth, Jennifer’s father. “Like Jean, I would have liked to see more but I think the judge did a fair comment on what had happened and her ruling 15 years is better than walking out the door.”
The Cusworths says they plan to attend Snelson’s future parole hearings.
Meanwhile, Wade Jenson, the defense lawyer for Neil Snelson say they are not shocked by the judge’s decision.
“While we are disappointed she concluded from the evidence that Mr. Snelson had sexually assaulted Miss Cuworth, I cannot say that we are particularly surprised by the sentence she imposed,” said Jenson.
However, Jenson says Snelson maintains his innocence.
“I can say that Mr. Snelson continues to assert that he is not responsible for the death of Miss Cusworth or sexual assault of Miss Cusworth. That is the position he has never wavered from in the two years that I have dealt with Mr. Snelson,” Jenson said.
There are 30 days to appeal the judge’s sentence but Jenson says while they will consider it, it is too soon to make any decision.
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