Man responsible for fatal stabbing at Banff nightclub won’t be eligible for parole for 12 years

John Christopher Arrizza (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

The man responsible for what Banff’s mayor called the darkest day in the town’s history has received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 12 years.

John Christopher Arrizza was sentenced in court Tuesday for the slaying of Ethan Enns-Goneau on Aug. 5, 2022.

Arrizza, then 22, attacked Enns-Goneau, 26, at the Dancing Sasquatch nightclub in and outside the washroom, stabbing him multiple times.

Tuesday’s decision wrapped up a two-day sentencing hearing for Arrizza, now 25, who was convicted of second-degree murder this past September.

Family, friends, coworkers and others who knew Ethan shared what his death meant to them in court on Monday through their victim impact statements.

Banff’s mayor, Corrie DiManno, had a submission in which she called that day the darkest in the town’s history.

It was Banff’s first homicide in 30 years.

Court was previously told Arrizza had an altered mind at the time due to days of drug and alcohol use.

He gave his own statement on Monday, sharing his regret and apologizing.

Enns-Goneau’s mother, Gloria Enns, said whatever time Arrizza serves won’t be enough for her.

A conviction for second-degree murder comes with an automatic life sentence, or 25 years, and at least 10 years before parole becomes a possibility.

Both the Crown and defence proposed 12 years before parole becomes a possibility, which is ultimately what the judge went with.

Arrizza was also given a DNA order and a lifetime weapons prohibition.

With files from Tyler Barrow