Emily Sanche's family breaks silence after partner Thomas Hamp ruled not criminally responsible in her death
'Emily's suffering and death were entirely preventable': Sanche family statement
Emily Sanche's family is speaking out after a Saskatoon judge ruled that the man who killed her in 2022 is not criminally responsible for her death.
"Although we were very disappointed that the prosecution did not obtain its own psychiatric expert witness — leaving the psychiatrist hired by the defence as the only mental health expert to testify in the trial — we accept Justice Currie's decision," the family wrote in a statement sent to CBC.
"Our deepest regret is that Emily's suffering and death were entirely preventable."
Justice Grant Currie ruled July 3 that Thomas Hamp was in the throes of a psychotic break when he fatally stabbed Sanche in 2022 and is therefore not criminally responsible for his actions.
Currie said he accepted forensic psychiatrist Shabehram Lohrasbe's opinion on Hamp's mental state at the time of the stabbing.
"This leads me to the conclusion that, when he stabbed and killed Emily, Thomas likely was operating under a mental disorder that rendered him incapable of knowing that doing so was wrong," Currie wrote in his 22-page decision at Court of King's Bench.
Sanche came from a family of doctors — her father, brother and grandfather — and the statement said her family could have helped.
"We would have ensured that Thomas received the assessment and care he required had we been informed," the statement said.
"Not having had that opportunity is one of our unbearable regrets. Thomas's confidentiality was prioritized by many over Emily's safety, with tragic consequences."
They also take issue with the Hamp family's characterization of their daughter's relationship. During the judge-alone trial, the defence submitted Sanche's journal entries detailing her efforts to get medical help for Hamp as his mental health deteriorated.
In a statement, Hamp's parents said this documentation showed an "advocacy for Thomas transcending her passing."
This view is not shared by the Sanche family.
"It is hard to express how insensitive this statement is coming from the killer's family. No apologies, no regrets, no accountability," the Sanche statement said.
"Their appreciation for Emily seems centred on the support she provided to Thomas, both in life and now in death. We challenge Thomas and his parents to think beyond themselves and recognize that Emily's life was much bigger than her utility for them or Thomas. Thomas's actions have robbed Emily of the opportunity to live a long and fulfilling life."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
