Montreal

Guy Turcotte appeals sentence for 2nd-degree murder of his children

Guy Turcotte is appealing his sentence for the second-degree murder of his two children, Anne-Sophie, 3, and Olivier, 5, arguing he should be granted parole after no more than 15 years.

Lawyers for former cardiologist argue he should be granted parole after no more than 15 years

Guy Turcotte was sentenced in January to life in prison with no chance of parole for 17 years. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)

Guy Turcotte is appealing his sentence for the second-degree murder of his two children, Anne-Sophie, 3, and Olivier, 5.

The former cardiologist was found guilty of their 2009 stabbing deaths last December. The jury did not exercise its right to recommend a sentence.

On Jan. 15, Quebec Superior Court Justice André Vincent sentenced Turcotte to life in prison with no chance of parole for 17 years.

In documents filed in the Quebec Court of Appeal this afternoon, lawyers for Turcotte argue that, based on jurisprudence, their client should be given a chance to apply for parole after no more than 15 years.

Turcotte needs the permission of the Court of Appeal in order to proceed with an appeal of his sentence.

A hearing before Quebec's highest court has been set for Feb. 23.

Turcotte has already appealed the guilty verdict handed down by the jury in the St-Jérôme courthouse on Dec. 6, in the hope of obtaining a third trial.