Three years after the fatal stabbing of a teenager at a Leduc high school, the convicted in her murder was sentenced to life imprisonment with parole ineligibility for 12 years, minus time served, on Sept. 5, 2024, at the Wetaskiwin Court of King's Bench.
On March 15, 2021, Jennifer Louise Winkler, 17, was stabbed several times by a fellow student while she was sitting at her desk during a break in a social studies class at Christ the King High School.
Dylan Pountney, who was 19 at the time of the offence, was convicted of second-degree murder on July 26, 2024.
The court determined a timeline of the events based on school surveillance footage in the halls and eye witness testimony from the teacher and three students.
According to court documents, Pountney's grandmother had noted he seemed well rested when she dropped him off at school the morning of the stabbing and noticed nothing out of the ordinary about his demeanour.
He had participated in the lesson and made small talk about the weather with the teacher during a break.
In a total of nine seconds, Poutney had ran into the classroom, stabbed Winkler several times on the left side shoulder and arm and ran out again, throwing a knife down near the door as he fled.
There were between six and 10 students in the classroom at the time of the stabbing.
Two of the students stated they'd heard Pountney yell "respond" or "answer me" as he stabbed the victim.
Two teachers called 911 and paramedics arrived at the school about 16 minutes later. STARS air ambulance had been called but when they arrived, Winkler had died from massive blood loss.
A forensic pathologist testified Winkler was stabbed at least five times and the most severe wound had severed the vertebral artery.
The weapon, located at the scene with the blade broken off at the handle, was a kitchen butcher knife.
After running from the scene, Pountney was found a short time later hiding under a deck and was arrested and charged with murder.
Comments made by Pountney during a police interview were described as "bizarre" that could "evidence a psychosis."
Statements from Dr. Nesca, a forensic psychologist said Pountney suffered from a psychosis during the period leading up to the stabbing of Winkler.
Nesca concluded that while a case for Not Criminally Responsible couldn't be made, that Pountney was psychotic when he committed the murder and when he was interviewed by police.
He also stated that at the time of psychological testing, Pountney displayed signs of both exaggerating real symptoms and faking symptoms so he could not form an opinion on the extent of the psychosis at the time of the offence.
Nesca testified it was his opinion that Pountney was aware of his surroundings and that his actions were causing harm during the attack.
It was noted that "delusional grievances," caused by or exacerbated by mental illness, may have been part of Pountney's motivation for the killing.
Considering all the evidence, Honourable Justice Eric F. Macklin concluded the accused had the intent necessary for required for murder.
"He meant to cause her death," said Macklin in his written decision on the conviction. "Even if he could be said to have only meant to cause her harm, he would have known that the harm he was causing by forcefully stabbing Ms Winkler, and stabbing her multiple times, would likely cause her death."
However, Macklin said the Crown hadn't proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder was both planned and deliberate, so he found Pountney guilty of second-degree murder.
On Sept. 5, the court received a total of 13 victim impact statements, 10 of which were read aloud for the court.
Statements described Winkler as a beloved daughter, a loved and treasured sister and a devoted and valued friend, and kind and pure, respectful, understanding, honest and selfless.
The victim's father, Dale Winkler, told the court that his daughter's friends and loved ones have been stricken with grief since her death. He then reportedly threw a crumpled piece of paper at Pountney and walked out of the courtroom.
Pountney was seen wiping tears from his face as the victim impact statements were read.
"Ms Winkler was 17 years old, unsuspecting and defenceless," said Macklin in his written sentencing decision.
"She was a young woman with recognized talents and abilities, unlimited potential and the loving support of family and friends. Mr Pountney stated that he knew that Ms Winkler did not deserve to die and that he had taken the life of an innocent girl.
"While no one has suffered as much as Ms Winkler did and her family and friends still do, those who witnessed the events in the classroom are also victims in the sense that they will never forget having witnessed the egregious and violent conduct of Mr Pountney, the tragic consequences of his actions and the death of a friend and classmate."
Macklin considered Pountney's early acknowledgement of his actions and expressions of remorse as significant mitigating factors before handing down his sentence.
He also recommended Pountney serve his time at a psychiatric centre or facility.
Pountney had no prior criminal record. He was described by family as "one who had changed considerably from a well adjusted, kind and happy child to one who became a troubled soul" that struggled with mental health and addictions issues.
- With files from the Canadian Press
