Matthew Brush asks Cassandra Kaake's family not to hate him
CBC News | Posted: January 27, 2017 8:03 PM | Last Updated: January 27, 2017
'She deserved so much more than what happened at my hands,' Brush said in court
Matthew Brush broke down in tears and said he thinks of Cassandra Kaake and her unborn baby every day, during a court appearance Friday.
The 28-year old man from LaSalle pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and arson charges in connection with the death of Cassandra Kaake, a pregnant woman killed in 2014.
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The Crown is asking for Brush to be sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 23 to 25 years.
"A more brutal and senseless crime is hard to imagine," said Belinda Pagliaroli, assistant Crown attorney. "While this is not a case of first-degree murder, it's near."
Brush's lawyer is asking for a sentence of 20 years before eligibility for parole.
"My perverted addiction was a problem," said Brush from the witness box, referencing his habit of breaking into women's homes and stealing their underwear.
Speaking through tears, Brush said he grieves for Cassandra and her unborn child every day.
"She deserved so much more than what happened at my hands," he said. "I don't ask for forgiveness. I ask that you don't hate me, not for me [but] for yourselves."
Justice Bruce Thomas told court his decision will be based more on what Brush did at the scene of the crime, and less on a lengthy police interview played back in court over the past week.
He said Kaake's pregnancy increased anguish for the family, and it will be considered in his ruling, which is expected at 2 p.m. on Monday.