Murdered Alberta college student ‘did not suffer much:’ defence lawyer

Murder victim Amy Lewis (Screengrab from Kim Johnston’s YouTube clip)

MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — The defence lawyer for a southern Alberta man who killed a college student told a sentencing hearing Tuesday that she “did not suffer much.”

But details on how 23-year-old Amy Lewis died and where her body may be hidden were not released.

Lewis was a nursing student at Medicine Hat College when she was last seen in June 2012. Despite several searches, her body has never been found.

Jerrison Herve Stopanski, 36, was originally charged with second-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Monday.

Common themes in eight victim impact statements from family members read in court included deep sorrow for their loss and sadness that Lewis will never meet her many nieces and nephews.

In a statement read by the Crown, Janet Strom, Lewis’ mother, said the death of her daughter caused “numbness, confusion and deep sorrow.”

But also jealousy.

“Jealousy that other families get to walk behind a casket.”

Lewis is the grand-niece of former Alberta Social Credit premier Harry Strom.

In an agreed statement of facts, the court heard that Lewis and Stopanski met through an online personal ad posted by the woman and arranged to exchange sex for cash.

Police were able to collect blood evidence from Stopanski’s jeep with the DNA matching that of Lewis.

Witnesses reported seeing Stopanski throw items into a dumpster including a dress and underwear — believed to be Lewis’ — found with his DNA. Clothing was also found in a bag that contained a document with Stopanski’s name.

Ian Strom, her brother, described in a statement the stress of trying to explain what happened to Lewis to the young members of their large extended family.

This comment appeared to motivate a statement from Stopanski.

“I have no words of wisdom to give you people,” he said. “Don’t let yourselves become victims. Don’t.”

He went on to say that he will remember the crime he committed for the rest of his life.

The Crown is seeking eight years in prison, while defence lawyer Clint Yarshenko is looking for no more than six years. The judge is to return with a sentence Thursday.

Outside the courthouse, Ray Strom, Lewis’ uncle, asked the community to show support for Stopanski’s family. He said they have also suffered.

Asked what he would say to Stopanski, Strom replied, “we are learning to forgive.”