The two-day sentencing hearing of Carlos Guerra Guerra, 23, wrapped up late Tuesday afternoon in London with the man who was found guilty of shooting 18-year-old Josue Silva apologizing to the victim’s family.
He told the court, “I am from the bottom of my heart sorry for their loss.”
Then he told Justice Patricia Moore he didn’t agree with the jury’s verdict of guilty saying, “I’m disappointed with their conclusion… Your honour, I’m not a cold hearted killer.”
The court heard that Silva was at a bush party off of Pack Road in south London with about 150 other teenagers in July 2021 when he was shot to death after an altercation over a spilled drink.
Guerra Guerra told the judge, “I want everybody to know, I never had any intention of using that gun when I walked into that party.”
He said he now takes medication for depression.
Guerra Guerra faces an automatic life sentence for his second degree murder conviction, however the judge will determine how much time he must spend behind bars before becoming eligible for parole.
The Crown is asking for 20 years, defence lawyer Ricardo Golec arguing for 12 years saying, “This is the criminal justice system not the criminal vengeance system.”
Justice Moore will hand down her decision on the case on April 28.
