National

B.C. mother, stepdad plead guilty to manslaughter in death of 6-year-old Dontay Lucas

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Nov, 2023 11:13 AM

The mother and stepfather of six-year-old Dontay Lucas have pleaded guilty to his manslaughter, more than five years after the boy was found in medical distress in the woman's home in Port Alberni, B.C.

RCMP originally charged Rykel Frank — also known as Rykel Charleson — and Mitchell Frank with first-degree murder last year in relation to the boy's March 2018 death.

Dan McLaughlin of the BC Prosecution Service says the pair pleaded guilty to the lesser charge in a Port Alberni court on Monday.

He says a sentencing hearing will be held on May 16 and 17.

When RCMP announced the murder charges in May of 2022 they said it was a tragic investigation that affected many people, including Dontay's classmates.

Police said at the time it was a complex investigation, but wouldn't say what led them to a charge of first-degree murder, which implies planning and intent.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Experts call for enforcement of new LTC standards

The Health Standards Organization released updated standards Tuesday that say residents should get at least four hours of direct care every day. The standards from the panel of experts at the non-profit standards organization also say those who work in those residences must be paid more.

Experts call for enforcement of new LTC standards

GM to invest US$650 million in Lithium Americas

Lithium is a key component in batteries used by electric vehicles. In the first tranche of the investment deal, GM spend US$320 million for 15 million shares or a 9.999 per cent stake in Lithium Americas.

GM to invest US$650 million in Lithium Americas

Decriminalization starts as OD death data released

Health Canada approved B.C.'s application for decriminalization through an exemption from federal drug laws so people 18 and over could carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, as well as crack and powdered cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. Users will not be arrested or have their drugs seized by police in what is a three-year pilot project.

Decriminalization starts as OD death data released

Fraser Valley bus drivers give strike notice

The union has 213 members including drivers, utility workers, bus washers and mechanics. It says the two sides have engaged in more than 20 days of bargaining since talks began in late spring 2022.

Fraser Valley bus drivers give strike notice

Roller-coaster at West Edmonton Mall to be removed

The Mindbender was known as the world's tallest and longest indoor, triple-loop roller-coaster. In 1986, three people were killed on the roller-coaster, which forced the mall to shut it down for a year for safety modifications.

Roller-coaster at West Edmonton Mall to be removed

Federal departments failed to spend $38B last year

Canada rang up a $90.2 billion deficit — $23.6 billion less than had been projected in the budget. The unprecedented amount of lapsed funding, much of which has been returned to the federal treasury, has one observer suggesting it is a sign of long-standing challenges delivering on big federal projects for the country.