A young man from Windsor accused of killing another young man in Blenheim last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Chad Coupe, 20, appeared in a Chatham courtroom on Friday and pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection to the shooting of Braedon Burk, 20, of Blenheim on April 21, 2021.
Coupe was originally charged with second degree murder.
The prosecution is asking for a sentence of 10 years minus time already served, citing the escalation of serious offences over the years, including an armed robbery in Windsor just a week before the Blenheim manslaughter. The defence is asking for nine years behind bars.
The Crown is also asking for a lifetime ban on weapons.
Braedon's father said the entire family is lost because he is no longer part of their life.
"Now I never to get hug him again or hear his voice saying "I love you Dad" when he left the house or went to bed. I'm no longer able to enjoy time with my son. The only thing that I have left is to say good morning and good night and kiss his pictures," said Mister Burk.
Burk also told the court he has changed as a person since the day he lost his son, saying he has a hole in his heart.
Investigators previously reported that two men went to a home in Blenheim and following a verbal disturbance outside, one of the men shot the homeowner’s friend.
Burk was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The defence said Coupe has a Grade 8 education and had a poor upbringing because his Father was a drug addict and his Mother was an alcoholic.
Coupe apologized to the Burk family, saying he takes full responsibility for his actions and is ready to accept the consequences.
Coupe will be sentenced on Monday.
The other accused, Darius White, will be in court in October.
