REGINA – A sentencing hearing for a Regina couple convicted of murdering a four-year-old girl in 2012 ended in an emotional outburst between the a Regina couple convicted of killing a four-year-old girl and members of the victim’s family.
“I ask you for your forgiveness.” -Tammy Goforth
Before court adjourned, Tammy Goforth, stood in the dock and addressed the girl’s mother. Through heavy sobbing she said, “I’m very sorry… I didn’t mean for this to happen. I can’t imagine the pain that you’re going through as a mother. I ask you for your forgiveness.”
The victim’s mother cried angrily from the gallery, “You should have took them to the doctors or take them back to social services.” She added, “you never said sorry to me before.”
Over the weekend, a jury found Tammy Goforth guilty of second degree murder and her husband, Kevin Goforth, guilty of manslaughter in the death of a four-year-old girl in their care.
READ MORE: Jury finds Goforths guilty in murder of four year-old girl
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Kevin and Tammy were also found guilty of causing bodily harm to the girl’s two-year-old sister, who was also in their care.
During the course of the trial, the jury heard the two girls were malnourished, dehydrated and had numerous injuries when they were taken to hospital in August 2012, where the four-year-old later died.
On Friday, Crown Prosecutor Kim Jones said Tammy’s breach of trust cannot be understated.
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“She just didn’t care,” Jones said.
The Crown recommended 18-20 years before Tammy is eligible for parole, arguing she committed “unspeakable acts of cruelty.”
The Crown also asked the judge to sentence Kevin to life imprisonment and be ineligible for parole for 7 years, saying it’s rare but appropriate given the victim’s age and that Kevin’s moral culpability is high.
Jones added that while Kevin may not have had the intent to kill the girl, he did nothing to stop it from happening either and was responsible for her well-being.
In addition, the Crown is seeking 8 years in prison for both Tammy and Kevin for unlawfully causing bodily harm to the victim’s two-year-old sister.
Tammy Goforth’s attorney Jeff Deagle wants no more than ten years until her parole eligibility, citing her genuine remorse and willingness to accept full responsibility.
Kevin Goforth’s attorney Noah Evanchuk is suggesting his client’s manslaughter sentence should be between 30 months and eight years.
Sentencing has been adjourned until March 4.
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