CALGARY- One of the men involved in a shocking triple murder at a Calgary restaurant in 2009 apologized to his victim’s family at a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
Real Honorio said he is sorry he gunned down Keni Su’a, a man who was just out for lunch on New Year’s Day in 2009.
Lenni Folden waited years for that apology from the man who killed her ex-husband but didn’t get to hear it face to face.
Folden only learned of the sentencing hearing the day it started and wasn’t aware an apology was being made on the final day.
“It’s important for me to hear it, to know he’s remorseful,” Folden said. “It’s easy for the defence to say he feels bad for what he’s done, but it’s another thing to hear it come out of his own mouth.”
Honorio’s defence team says his words were filled with emotion and remorse for killing Su’a, an innocent bystander, outside the Bolsa restaurant in 2009.
Tonii Roulston, Honorio’s defence lawyer, described the apology as heartfelt.
“When Real Honorio was reading his statement, you could see that his lip was quivering,” he said. “He apologized to his family, he turned to them and acknowledged the shame he brought to them. He also apologized to Keni Su’a’s family.”
The court also heard from Honorio’s father.
“As a family, they have had to mourn the loss of all of the dreams they’ve had for their son,” defence lawyer Andrea Urquhart said.
The crown is asking for 20 years parole eligibility, while the defence is seeking 12 year parole eligibility.
Folden said a chance for parole in 12 years is too soon but the defence argues the punishment fits the crime.
“Keni never has that opportunity to live his life,” Folden said.
“Mr. Honorio plead guilty to this, he ought to get to the benefit of that,” Roulston said. “It encourages others to come forward because there is a benefit of taking responsibility.”
READ MORE: Accused Calgary gangster Real Honorio pleads guilty to shooting innocent bystander in Bolsa murders
Folden said Sua’s mother visited his grave every day before she passed away a year ago.
On April 29, the justice will set a date for a sentencing decision.