Editor's note: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.
Breanna Menacho's killer will possibly be spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Devon Larabie was sentenced to life while appearing at the Yellowknife Courthouse on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November on the day his trial was scheduled to begin. Justice David Gates ruled Larabie will be eligible for parole in 10 years. With credit for time already served, his first chance will be in six years. He's also been ordered to provide a DNA sample within three days, and must abide by a firearms prohibition that will last a decade.
Getting to this point wasn't easy for anyone.
Yellowknife's courtroom was packed on both May 22 and May 23, with Menacho’s family members coming to show support. Many sported a black sweater with a red hand print on it. Underneath, it read “#JusticeForBre.”
The sentencing also shined new knowledge on Menacho’s murder. As it turns out, at the time of the offence, Larabie was out on bail and not allowed to consume intoxicating substances, nor was he allowed to posses any weapons.
He did both of those things, being described as on a crack cocaine and an alcohol binge when he murdered Menacho with a hatchet in Yellowknife on May 6, 2020.
Both the Crown and Larabie's defence lawyer, Michael Spratt, submitted a joint sentence calling for life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 10 years.
However, Gates wasn't quick to approve the sentencing for a number of reasons, including the mercurial nature of Larabie's actions.
"He snapped here," Gates said, adding that Larabie and Menacho had no close relationship leading up to her death.
On top of that, Spratt's argument that Larabie has been putting in work to combat his substance addition and better himself didn't sit right with Gates initially.
"He's doing drugs in jail," said Gates, revealing that Larabie has been using heroin while in custody, according to a pre-sentence report.
There were no clear answers in court this week explaining how that happened.
Spratt contended that even though Larabie is still struggling with his addictions, it does not take away from the fact that he has recognized his problems and has sought help. Larabie has also achieved a number of educational and programming certificates while in jail, Spratt added.
Friends and family of Menacho were given time to share impact statements also, while Larabie looked on.
Lisa Zoe, Menacho’s mother, stood in front of Gates, speaking through tears while giving her statement.
“I never met anyone who spread so much love and light in this world,” Zoe said of Menacho.
She added that, despite the immediate chaos of losing her 22-year-old daughter, she remembers exactly how she felt at the time.
“My world became so quiet,” she said. “I was numb.”
Zoe also mentioned that Menacho has a little brother, one who doesn’t know how his sister died, only that she is an angel now, she said.
“Someday I’m going to have to sit down and tell this little boy how his sister died.”
Sniffles filled the courtroom as she continued reading out her statement. Notably, Zoe also referenced a Facebook post Larabie made while in jail. The post reads:
“Can’t wait to get out of this s—-hole jail… best be ready for round two.”
He made the post on May 22, 2023.
Essentially one year later, Gates accepted the joint sentencing and spoke directly to Larabie.
"You have done a terrible thing," Gates said. "You have to live with that for the rest of your life."
Larabie also got a chance to speak in court. He said he considers himself a failure.
"I've been thinking about this day for four years," he said. "I'm haunted by shame and failure."
The truth is, Larabie said, he is guilty. He added he hasn't been the same since the night he murdered Menacho.
Despite the offender's wrongdoings, Gates still has hope for Larabie. He said that in some ways, it's a miracle Larabie even survived his abusive childhood.
Gates also said he wants to make sure Larabie gets a copy of his own pre-sentence report, as it might help him find answers as to how he morphed into a killer.
"See today not as the end of your life, but the beginning of your new life," the judge advised.
Larabie and Gates agreed that Larabie's addictions stem from abandonment and a lack of connection. Gates' advice: make connections, starting with Larabie's own kids.
Before he left the courtroom, his final words to Larabie were straightforward.
"I wish you the best of luck sir," said Gates.