Deanne Wheeler, 26, was found dead in Christopher Butler's apartment Dec. 30, 2014
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July 25, 2016 - 1:30 PM
KAMLOOPS - The man behind the violent slaying of his ex-girlfriend will have to spend 13 years behind bars before being eligible for parole.
Christopher Frank Butler, 42, was sentenced in Kamloops Supreme Court today, July 25.
Defence lawyer Jay Michi sought a 10 to 12 year parole ineligibility, while Crown prosecutor Alex Janse asked for 12 to 14 years.
Butler pleaded guilty to beating and stabbing ex-girlfriend Deanne Wheeler, 26, to death on Dec. 30, 2014.
He claimed Wheeler was possessed by a demon and he needed to kill her in order to kill the demon.
Court heard Judge Keith Bracken's decision today, in which he said he took into account Butler's years of struggles with his mental health. But Butler declined using a not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder defence.
Bracken told the court that after reading psychiatric reports, Butler wouldn't likely be able to rely on the defence.
"The defendant does not meet the criteria for a finding of not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder," Bracken said.
Court has heard throughout proceedings that Butler invited Wheeler over to his house on Dec. 30, and when she arrived he began stabbing her several times with a knife, strangling her with a fan cord and wire and beating her on the head with a rock before turning himself in to police.
For more stories on this case, go here.
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