Judge reserves decision on sentence for Iqaluit girl's killer

Nunavut Justice Earl Johnson has reserved his decision on parole eligibility for Mark King Jeffrey, who pleaded guilty last week to murdering 13-year-old Jennifer Naglingniq in Iqaluit.

Johnson heard arguments on Monday from Crown and defence lawyers in the case involving Jeffrey, 26, who pleaded guilty on April 23 to second-degree murder in relation to Naglingniq's death.

The Grade 8 student's bodywas found stabbed multiple timesin her home on Dec. 6, 2002. Jeffrey was arrested on March 23, 2003.

Jeffrey faces a minimum life sentence, but Johnsonsaid he willdecide on Fridayhow long Jeffrey will have to serve before he can apply for parole.

For second-degree murder, the time can vary between 10 and 25 years.

The Crowncalledfor 15 years behind bars, given the brutal nature of the crime, while the defence argued for the minimum period of 10 years.