The remains of Rigat Ghirmay were found in a duffel bag. Family expresses 'inconsolable' grief
The Crown read a victim impact statement from Ghirmay's brother, who wasn't able to make it to Canada for the sentencing hearing.
He said his family is in pieces.
"With the heaviest of heart words cannot express my inconsolable [grief] that follows me like a shadow since my beloved sister Rigat was taken from us," he said. "She always tried to help everyone, especially Mr. Zekarias."
He ended by saying his family is struggling to bring her remains home to Eritrea.
Concurrent or consecutive sentences
The Crown and the defence made submissions Wednesday on how long Zekarias should spend behind bars.
The Crown told the judge he deserves a life sentence without the possibility of parole for 25 years, and he should serve his sentences for the murders of Semret and Ghirmay consecutively.
The defence argued for concurrent sentences, so he would be eligible for parole in his 60s, instead of his 80s.
Zekarias's sentencing is set for August 14.