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

Metro hikes dividend 10% as profit climbs

Grocers have come under intense scrutiny in recent months for posting strong profits as many Canadians struggle with higher food costs. Critics have accused grocers of so-called greedflation, suggesting they are profiteering at a time of spiralling inflation.

Metro hikes dividend 10% as profit climbs

Police search for up to 15 youth in TTC assault

Toronto police say officers responded to an area in the city's east end Monday afternoon where a group of 10 to 15 youths, all male, allegedly assaulted two TTC employees. Police described the injuries as minor, noting the initial report noted no obvious signs of injury.

Police search for up to 15 youth in TTC assault

Fiscal room tightening as economy teeters

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said affordability and making Canada competitive were his priorities heading into this cabinet meeting. Ottawa is insisting on accountability for any new health funding and Trudeau has not publicly committed to meet the premiers' demands.

Fiscal room tightening as economy teeters

Man in distress pours milk on his face in a grocery store, turns out he had been victim of an assault

On January 17th at approximately 5:50 pm the New Westminster Police were called to the 800 block of Carnarvon Street to assist a man in distress who was pouring milk on his face inside a grocery store. Officers learned that the man was the victim of an assault and moments earlier he had been assaulted with bear spray in an attempted robbery.

Man in distress pours milk on his face in a grocery store, turns out he had been victim of an assault

Trudeau mum on sending tanks to Ukraine

Nearly a year after Russia's invasion, most members of the NATO military alliance have said they're in favour of giving Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv, but Germany has not. As a major supplier of the tanks, Germany requires that allies seek permission before re-exporting them to other countries, and Berlin has warned against provoking Russia.

Trudeau mum on sending tanks to Ukraine

Parks Canada announces upgrades in mountain parks

The $71 million in federal funding for Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay national parks includes upgrades to critical infrastructure, such as Parks Canada dispatch for emergency calls, as well as to several roadways and bridges. It also includes improvements in the community of Lake Louise, Alta.