CALGARY – Family and friends expressed how the loss of Craig Kelloway has impacted them during a sentencing hearing Wednesday for the man who took his life, Nicholas Rasberry. A judge said time was needed to consider the case, and set Dec. 11 as the sentencing date.
Rasberry, 32, was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Kelloway, 31, who was stabbed to death inside Rasberry’s Auburn Bay home May 4, 2013.
“He was an amazing athlete and role model, and he’s not here to be that for my son,” read an excerpt of a tearful victim impact statement from the mother of Kelloway’s young son, Blake.
READ MORE: ‘I pray every night for justice for Craig’ – Calgary murder victim’s mother
Blake’s mother, Kim, broke down as she told court, “you say you were protecting your family that night. Your actions destroyed Blake’s. This wasn’t God’s will; this was your will.”
Kelloway’s mother also expressed her grief in a statement read by a family friend.
“A family is ruined forever. I am not a vindictive person but this has changed me. I am crying on the inside every single solitary day, as well as crying on the outside. I will never be the same and neither will my family. We lost someone very dear to us.”
“My life today is hell on earth. I think often of Craig and that horrible night. Could he even defend himself? Did he beg for his life? What was he thinking? What did he feel? Did he even have the chance to defend himself?”
During the trial, Rasberry admitted to stabbing Kelloway 37 times, but said it was self-defence after Kelloway threatened to sexually assault both he and his wife. Several wounds were so deep they went through his ribs and punctured his lung and aorta. His jugular was also cut.
Rasberry and Kelloway lived two doors apart but hadn’t met until the day Kelloway was killed.
The two men and their wives had gotten together for drinks and a barbecue. Later that night, Rasberry called 911 saying he had stabbed Kelloway.
READ MORE: Court shown video of crime scene knives during Rasberry murder trial
Rasberry was originally charged with second-degree murder in Kelloway’s death, but found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The Crown has since appealed that decision.
Sentencing for manslaughter convictions can range from time served to life in prison.
On Wednesday, defence lawyer Hersh Wolch asked for time already served, suggesting Rasberry has “already paid the price.”
Several letters of support for Rasberry were submitted to court by defence lawyers, including from his parents.
“We firmly believe there were two victims that night and we beg of you to be merciful to our son in sentencing,” reads a letter from Steve and Debra Rasberry. “He has never been in any trouble with the law and has been a solid citizen, loving brother, husband and son all his life.
“He has lost so much already, please give him an opportunity to rebuild his life. We have always been so proud of him and will continue to do so.”
Rasberry was in custody for 13 months before being granted bail. He was then put on house arrest.
The Crown asked for a 15-year penitentiary sentence, noting his house arrest was not strict.
Read the letter of support for Rasberry from his parents, as well as a letter from his former father-in-law, Rick Klein, in full below:
Letter of support for Rasberry from his parents
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