Mother trusted toddler was safe with Saint John man who later killed him
CBC
WARNING: This story contains graphic content some readers may find disturbing.
The Saint John sentencing hearing for Karrson Bennett heard from the mother of the two-year-old boy he admitted to killing by putting a Ping-Pong ball in his mouth.
She cannot be identified because of a publication ban protecting the identity of her son.
On Sept. 18, 2021, Saint John police, firefighters and paramedics responded to a 911 call about an unconscious child who had swallowed a ball at a residence. The child was eventually airlifted to the children's hospital in Halifax but died the next day.
The boy's mother told the court on Thursday she had never let her son stay overnight alone with Bennett before that day, and had never seen anything that would cause her concern.
Bennett was very good with her children, the woman testified, remaining composed through most of her testimony.
She said she left her son alone with Bennett because she "fully trusted" him and believed her son "would be safe in his care."
Bennett, 24, was charged with second-degree murder in the boy's death.
On Monday, which was supposed to be the first day of a five–week jury trial, Bennett changed his plea to guilty, admitting he intentionally caused the boy's death with the Ping-Pong ball.
On Wednesday, the Crown began a sentencing hearing.
While the charge of second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence, the judge will have to determine the number of years Bennett must serve before being eligible for parole — between the 10-year minimum and the 25-year maximum.
The Crown has been clear that it hopes to get a lengthier term before Bennett is eligible for parole.
Prosecutors have said they believe the amount of force necessary to put a plastic Ping-Pong-like ball into a two-year-old's throat should be an aggravating factor.
Defence lawyer David Lutz has already acknowledged to the court that the minimum parole eligibility is unlikely for his client, given the circumstances.
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