Sentencing arguments made for woman who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Saskatoon Christmas Day death

A judge will decide next month how long a 20-year-old Saskatoon woman will spend inprison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and arson in provincial court.

Vianna Moberly admitted in June to fatally stabbing Tyla Whitebird, 20, near the city landfill on Christmas Day 2023. She also pleaded guilty to an unrelated arson.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Aaron Martens argued for a total sentence of 15 years, while defence lawyer Ian Wagner proposed 12 years.

• Woman pleads guilty to manslaughter in Christmas Day homicide in Saskatoon

Martens said the two women knew each other and, on Christmas Day, were both staying at the Saskatoon Tribal CouncilEmergency Wellness Centre in theFairhavenneighbourhood. They had gone out together that day, with Moberly later returning on her own.

A cyclist discovered Whitebird's body on Malouf Road near the landfill.

Police arrested Moberly on Dec. 27. She admitted to stabbing Whitebird repeatedly in the back because "she was annoying," court heard. She then dumped the weapon in a manhole.

Martens described the attack as a "near murder" markedby impulsivity on Moberly's part. He said that Moberlysuffers from a host of mental health issues that are exacerbated by alcohol and methamphetamine use.

Wagner described Moberly as "so young and so scarred." She has no criminal record and took immediate responsibility for the fatal assault.

"She has never stepped back from her responsibilities," he said.

When asked to speak, she said "I regret everything I did.I feel sorry."

Judge Stephen Carter will give his decision next month.