Family of Sudbury murder victim describe ‘scars’ and ‘trauma’ they have endured

A woman convicted in the stabbing death in Sudbury on Boxing Day 2020 will soon learn how much time she must serve before being eligible for parole.

Felicity Altiman, 44, could spend as few as 12 years behind bars before she’s eligible for parole for the December 2020 murder of an elderly man in his own apartment.

Justice Dan Cornell heard sentencing submissions on Monday, including two victim impact statements.

In October 2024, following a three-week trial, Altiman was found guilty of second-degree murder, which carried an automatic 25-year life sentence.

It was in connection with the death of 75-year-old Robert ‘Bob’ Keskinen, whose body was found Boxing Day 2020 inside his Kathleen Street apartment. He had been stabbed more than 100 times and a part of his body mutilated.

Bragged about stealing from him

Altiman had been staying at an apartment in the same building and left a small Christmas Eve gathering to visit the older neighbour, whom she had bragged about stealing from before.

She returned several hours later with bags of items, later found to belong to Keskinen.

Keskinen’s cousin and older brother read victim impact statements on Monday.

Richard ‘Allan’ Keller, who had testified during the trial to finding the body, said witnessing the scene has left him with “emotional scars and flashbacks,” and a “deep sadness.”

Edward Keskinen, Bob’s older brother described “a depth of loss” and a “constant emptiness in our home,” adding that the family is left with an “aching question in our hearts: why?”

‘I will continue to carry his voice’

The elder Keskinen also described psychological scars and heartbreak at the tragic loss of his brother.

“I will continue to carry his voice and his love with me,” Edward read from his victim impact statement.

Crown attorney Kaely Whillans argued that Altiman not be eligible for parole until she’s served 20 years behind bars.

Submissions to Justice Dan Cornell included a Gladue Report, which considers an Indigenous offender’s background when they are sentenced.

Details revealed in Altiman’s report included a difficult upbringing that included physical and sexual abuse, long-time drug addiction and generational trauma.

After the submissions, the judge allowed Altiman to address the court, where she said she was sorry and asked for forgiveness.

Cornell will now take all the recommendations and details into consideration and announce his decision at a later date.