A 20-year-old Hampton, N.B., man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of a 20-year-old Apohaqui, N.B., woman.
An autopsy determined that Jessica Ann Miller died from asphyxiation. Her body was found in a wooded area off Highway 1 in Prince of Wales, west of Saint John, on July 13.
Reynolds pleaded guilty to the charge last month and was handed the sentence Friday.
The court heard that Reynolds choked Miller after a night of binge drinking and cocaine use.
Emotions were running high on Monday, when victim impact statements were presented in court, and several members of Miller’s family had to be escorted from the courtroom.
Justice William Grant said he wanted to read all victim impact statements before passing his sentence.
"It is clear that Jessica's death has had a deep impact on both her extended family and friends," said Grant. "No sentence I impose will ever be sufficient to ease the pain of Jessica's family."
Defence lawyer David Lutz said it was important that the judge took into account that Reynolds turned himself in to police.
"It was a shameful thing, but it is to be remembered, that but for his cooperation with police, this crime would have never been solved," said Lutz.
Jessica Ann Miller was reported missing by her family on July 10.
Reynolds’ five-year sentence will not credit time already served.
Lutz said he could be eligible for parole as soon as one-third into his sentence.
"Normally one-third, but I can't tell you if it's a third or a half or two thirds. It all depends on what he does there in order to be rehabilitated," said Lutz.
Miller’s mother left the courtroom without commenting on the sentence. Reynolds’ family was escorted out of the courthouse and down the street by sheriff’s deputies and police officers.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron.
