The man who plead guilty to killing a 9-year-old girl in a 2024 Boxing Day crash was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday. Dressed in a blue jump suit, 32-year-old Duane Nepoose was read his sentence by Court of King’s Bench Justice Indra Maharaj. “From the Crown’s perspective, I’m satisfied with the sentence,” said Crown prosecutor, Todd Buziak. “This was a long emotional matter for the family.” Buziak says the family is also satisfied with the sentencing, as many were in the court room during the sentencing. “There’s a real sense of relief that the matter has finally reached closure for them,” he said. On Boxing Day in 2024, Nepoose robbed a pharmacy then stole a minivan and was speeding when he ran a red light, slamming into the side of another vehicle. In total, five vehicles were involved in the crash that happened at the intersection of Macleod Trail and Southland Drive. Nine-year-old Victoria Desjardins was killed. Seven others, including Victoria’s older sister and their mother, were hurt. All three of them were rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition. An agreed statement of facts said Nepoose was driving 170 kilometers per hour when the crash took place. During sentencing justice Indra Maharaj cited his threat to the public along with his possibility to recommit as extenuating circumstances. She did take into account his troubled upbringing along with his guilty plea as mitigating factors. “The factors she applied are correct,” said Buziak. Nepoose did plead guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, dangerous operation causing bodily harm, robbery and fleeing a police officer earlier this year. After time already served, Nepoose has just over seven and half years remaining.
