The family of a Winnipeg grandmother killed in a hit-and-run more than two years ago will have to wait another week to find out how long her killer will spend behind bars.
The sentencing of Gater Albert Browne had been expected Wednesday, but the decision was delayed until Dec. 11 to give a judge time to consider details of the case.
Browne pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident in September in connection with the August 2017 crash that killed Marlene Eusanio.
The Crown is asking for a sentence of 14 years — 12 years for criminal negligence causing death and two for failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
Eusanio died after being struck by a stolen truck on Marion Street on Aug. 3, 2017.
At the time police said Eusanio had been hit by the truck while she was getting into her vehicle and investigators made a plea to the public for help tracking down the driver.
Police spokesperson Cst. Jay Murray said at the time they were searching for dash cam footage.
Browne, previously of Winnipeg, was arrested on Aug. 11, 2017 and charged on Dec. 1, 2017.
Police didn’t release details of the charges until April of this year, due to other court issues Browne, then 40, faced in Saskatchewan.
Browne walked into court with his hands and feet in chains wearing a grey sweat suit with tattoos exposed on his face and neck Wednesday.
The Crown read disturbing details of the crash at the sentencing, including the severity of Eusanio’s injuries. The Crown said she was nearly cut in half.
The Crown reviewed Browne’s criminal record and driver’s record Wednesday, telling court he has 53 driving infractions on his record, including dangerous driving.
He has previously been jailed for dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of the accident, according to the Crown, and was 8 months into a 5 year driving prohibition when Eusanio died.
His criminal record is lengthy, says the Crown, and includes charges in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Manitoba.
Court heard also victim impact statements Wednesday.
Eusanio’s husband’s was with her at the time of her death. In a victim impact statement read to the court, he said he’s struggled with PTSD since and says he’s struggled to drive, sleep, and work after her death. He said he misses her “smile and smell so much.”
Eusanios’s son, Trevor McKenzie told the court he’s been depressed and has suffered nightmares since his mother’s death.
“Our family has been devastated,” he said.
“Not being able to call her on the phone… not being able to send her school photos of my kids…. so much has been stolen from me.”
Browne could be heard crying in court Wednesday saying “I’m sorry, I’m sorry” to Eusanios’s sobbing family while graphic details of her death were heard in court.
“This accident haunts me every day,” he said later while addressing the court.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about what happens…. I’m so very sorry, please forgive me.”
-With files from Amber McGuckin
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