Woman pleads guilty in bizarre shooting of London man

Originally charged with manslaughter, Cheyanne Metatawabin has pled guilty to criminal negligence causing death. CTV London's Nick Paparella reports.

Through an agreed statement of facts a London courtroom heard on Thursday how Levi Brown, 36, was hanging out with others at a Baseline Road West apartment in March 2023, handling a loaded handgun.

In a bizarre turn of events, the court was told that the gun ended up in the hands of the accused, 31-year-old Cheyenne Metatawabin who eventually pointed the gun at Brown, pulling the trigger and killing the London man.

Hours later Brown’s body would be placed in a recycling bin and dumped in the Coves off baseline Road and found days later. Metatawabin would then be arrested.

Originally charged with manslaughter, Metatawabin pled guilty to the lesser charge of criminal negligence causing death on Thursday. A London man has already been sentenced for his part in disposing of Brown’s body.

During the sentencing hearing, Brown’s mother Michele read an emotional victim impact statement to the court and Metatawabin, “Death changes everything, time changes nothing, he’s gone and he’s not coming back.”

Brown added, “You not only killed Levi, you killed me too.”

She wrapped up by telling the court, “My greatest loss can never be replaced, he will always be my sweet baby boy.”

While the victim impact statements were read, Metatawabin was emotional, wiping away tears as she sat in the prisoners box.

When she addressed the court, Metatawabin - who has had a troubled life - told the court she feels like a monster, “I’m sorry that I took your loved one away and I hope you forgive me one day because I can’t forgive myself.”

In a joint submission, both the Crown and the defence asked for a sentence of three years and one month, or time already served plus probation.

Justice Patricia Moore is expected to hand down her decision on Friday.