Slain toddler’s family describes loss in court

Family members of a baby boy who died in 2009 wept in a Regina courtroom Wednesday during sentencing arguments for Jason Brian Emil Will.

Queen's Bench Justice Dennis Ball is to sentence Will, 25, tomorrow for manslaughter in the death of Raime Myers, 18 months.

Earlier this month, Ball found Will guilty, saying the former boyfriend of Raime's mother reacted to a tantrum by the toddler on July 9, 2009, by putting a hand over the child's face and smothering him.

On Wednesday, Crown and defence lawyers discussed sentencing, with the Crown suggesting nine to 10 years and the defence arguing for a lesser term.

In the courtroom were Will, the child's mother Jessica Myers, and a number of family members, five of whom read victim impact statements.

"He was taken from this world cruelly," Myers's sister Sundee Bruce said. "I'm at a loss; my family's at a loss."

The child's grandfather, Barry Sproule said he feels a deep sadness whenever he sees Myers, his daughter. There can be no closure for the family until Will takes responsibility, he said.

Will spoke to the court as well. He did not apologize but said he had lost everything, including a fianceé and a son. Will, who has denied causing Raime's death, said he still has nightmares about finding the boy dead.

Crown prosecutor Connie Hottinger said a lengthy prison term is warranted.

"Jason Will has shown absolutely no remorse and has made remarkable efforts to deny and minimize responsibility," she said.

Sentencing is set for 2 p.m. CST Thursday.