Edmonton

'I am very sorry,' tearful killer tells Courtepatte family

A young woman convicted of helping kidnap, rape and kill 13-year-old Nina Courtepatte three years ago gave a tearful apology Friday, as the Crown sought to have her jailed for 25 years.

A young woman convicted of helping kidnap, rape and kill 13-year-old Nina Courtepatte three years ago gave a tearful apology Friday, as the Crown sought to have her jailed for 25 years.

The 20-year-old woman, who can't be named because she was 17 at the time of the crime, was found guilty in April 2007 of kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault and manslaughter.

She was part of a group of young people who lured Courtepatte from West Edmonton Mall in April 2005 and then beat her to death on a secluded golf course.

Nina Courtepatte's body was found on a golf course on Edmonton's outskirts three years ago. ((CBC))

"To Nina Courtepatte's family, I am very sorry for your loss," the woman said, fighting back tears.

"I continue to be more sorry.… I hate myself for what I have done. "

The Crown is asking that the woman be sentenced to 25 years in prison, while the defence has suggested a shorter term, between 7 and 11 years.

Justice June Ross ruled yesterday that the woman will be sentenced as an adult, saying the crime was far from the norms of a civilized society.

She will hand down her sentence next Friday.

Earlier in the day, six members of Nina Courtepatte's family told the court how the girl's death had affected their lives.

"I hate you," Nina's mother, Peacha Atkinson, told the convicted killer.

"I wish you the same pain Nina felt that night. I hope you hear her screams for the rest of your life. I wish you have sleepless nights like I do."

Nina's sister Annie, 11, also spoke of her loss. Holding up a picture of Nina, she said her sister was "cool" and remembered she was always willing to play.