Convicted killer Nicholas Butcher to face parole eligibility hearing
HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge is set to hear how the violent death of Kristin Johnston affected her family and friends during a parole eligibility hearing for the man convicted of stabbing her.
Nicholas Butcher, 36, was convicted of second-degree murder in April in the death of the Montreal-born businesswoman and yoga instructor.
The conviction carries an automatic life sentence, but a hearing Friday will determine when Butcher will be able to apply for parole.
Crown lawyer Carla Ball has confirmed that more than 13 victim impact statements have been filed as part of the hearing. She said some statements will be read aloud in court before Justice Joshua Arnold.