Woman convicted in Courtepatte killing risk to re-offend: psychiatrist

A young woman convicted of playing a role in the death of 13-year-old Nina Courtepatte, whose bruised and bloodied body was found on a golf course just west of Edmonton in April 2005, is a moderate to high risk to re-offend, a psychiatrist testified Monday.

The 20-year-old is in court for a sentencing hearing. She was convicted in April 2007 on charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault and manslaughter in the girl's death.

The woman being sentenced can't be identified because she was 17 at the time of the crime.

Psychiatrist Alec Oskin, from Alberta Hospital Edmonton, told the court he examined the woman earlier this month. He said she exhibited a lack of empathy for the victim and little thought for her suffering.

Oskin said when asked what she regrets most about the night of the crime, the woman said she wished she had gone  to another party.

Courtepatte was lured from the West Edmonton Mall with the promise of a party, then was raped and beaten.

Oskin also told the court the woman exhibits psychopathic tendencies, but not enough to label her as a psychopath.

As part of the week-long hearing, the judge will hear arguments on whether the defendant should be sentenced as an adult or a youth.

She's one of five people who were initially charged in the disturbing case. Joseph Laboucan and Michael Williams are now serving life sentences in prison for their part in the crime. Another accused, Michael Briscoe, was acquitted.

A second young woman has yet to stand trial.