Canadian Court Sentences Jasmine Richardson in Her Family's Murders

(Continued)

On Nov. 8, Jasmine Richardson stood sobbing before Judge Brooker as he addressed her during her sentencing hearing.

"The circumstances surrounding these murders are horrific," Brooker said. "It is difficult to imagine a more horrific crime than this."

Brooker then sentenced Richardson to the maximum 10-year sentence.

"You can never undo what you did to your mom, dad and brother," Brooker said. "However, what you can do is honor their memory by dedicating your life to becoming the woman your parents and brother would be proud of."

Per the sentencing guidelines, Richardson will serve four years in a psychiatric hospital, at which time she will be released and placed under supervision for 4� years.

Jeremy Steinke

Jeremy Steinke has yet to go to trial in this case. His lawyer has asked for a change of venue, citing pretrial publicity. A hearing regarding that issue will not be held until Feb. 2008. When he does go to trial, Steinke could be sentenced to life without parole for 25 years.

Kacy Lancaster

Kacy Lancaster faces accessory to murder charges. She remains free on a $25,000 bond. Her case is scheduled to go to trial on Jan. 17, 2008.

Jasmine Richardson

Jasmine Richardson's sentence pales in comparison to the crimes she committed. In less than five years, a community somewhere in Canada will be forced to accept her and hope that she truly was a "good candidate" for rehabilitation. Only time will tell. In the meantime, Canadians should take a serious look at the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Perhaps it is time for reform.

Visit Crime Library's message boards to discuss this case with other readers.

Previous Page

Contact� David Lohr�at�
crimewriter74@adelphia.net