LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — A Calgary woman has admitted to stabbing her mother multiple times and throwing her down a flight of stairs in the 78-year-old's home.
Lisa Freihaut put out an emotional appeal in April 2016 that asked the public for help in finding her mother's killer.
"No family deserves to have to go through this," Freihaut said at the time. "This is the first time I don't get to send my mom flowers or give her a card on Mother's Day, see her beautiful garden and be with her for family gatherings.
"Mom we love you and we miss you. We think of you every day."
But less than two weeks later, police charged Freihaut with second-degree murder and on Monday she pleaded guilty to the charge in a Lethbridge, Alta., courtroom.
A second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence. During the sentencing hearing Monday afternoon, the judge accepted a joint submission from the Crown and defence that Freihaut be ineligible for parole for a minimum of 11 years.
Police were called to Irene Carter's home in Lethbridge in January 2016 after family members were unable to contact her.
Officers found Carter's body inside and an autopsy confirmed she died of stab wounds and blunt force trauma.
An investigation determined that she and Freihaut had been involved in a financial dispute that ended in a physical fight in January 2016.
According to the agreed statement of facts, Freihaut had a gambling addiction and had accepted responsibility of her mother's finances. The argument between mother and daughter occurred after Carter discover Freihaut had taken out a mortgage on her home without her knowledge.
At the time of her public appeal, Freihaut thanked friends and family for their support while the search for her mother's killer continued.
Freihaut told the court on Monday she knew forgiveness was not an option and that she will regret her actions for the rest of her life.
"I am so sorry for what I have done," Freihaut said.
