Student’s killer gets at least 14 years

VANCOUVER — A man was sentenced on Friday to life in prison without parole for at least 14 years for murdering a Japanese student in Vancouver, a crime the judge called senseless and horrific because he “treated her body like garbage.”

William Schneider, 51, was handed the sentence for the second-degree murder of Natsumi Kogawa, 30, two years ago.

Schneider showed no emotion as he was escorted away to begin serving his sentence, shortly after it was handed down by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Laura Gerow.

Earlier Friday, he read a brief apology to Kogawa’s mother, saying he was sorry for her pain and that he knew how he would feel if something tragic happened to his son.

Emiko Kogawa attended the trial but returned to Japan before Friday’s sentencing. Her victim impact statement read into court his week recounted her sadness at losing her daughter and the horror of knowing she was murdered.

Schneider was found guilty last month by a jury after several days of deliberation. Near the end of the trial, he had pleaded guilty to a second charge of improperly or indecently handling of a body, and he was sentenced to 3.5 years to be served concurrently.

The ineligibility for parole for second-degree murder ranges from 10 to 25 years and the Crown was asking for 17 years. Schneider’s defence lawyer argued 10 years would be appropriate because Schneider showed remorse and revealed the location of the body.