A West Kelowna man has been acquitted of seconddegree murder in exchange for pleading guilty to manslaughter.
A West Kelowna man has been acquitted of second-degree murder in exchange for pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
52-year-old Jose Amestica stabbed 44-year-old Kevin McNally during a dispute at his Solar Road home in April 2015.
Amestica was originally charged with aggravated assault, but it was upgraded to second-degree murder when McNally died from his injuries 3 days after the incident.
He was supposed to go to trial this week, with jury selection scheduled for Monday, but instead, the crown and defence presented the judge with a joint submission.
After pleading guilty to manslaughter, Amestica was sentenced to 5 years in jail, which was recommended by both the defence and crown.
When given a chance to address the courtroom, Amestica apologized to McNally's family members, who were in attendance.
“I am deeply, deeply regretful for what has happened and what I've done to cause you guys pain." he said.
"I know that that’s not enough but I need you to know that I am from my heart and soul sorry for what has happened and I do mean that."
With enchanced credit for time served, he will spend another 22.5 months behind bars.
