Witness Brady Allen describes how Arssei Hindessa pulled victim Natalie Novak’s hair and hit her in the temple, during Hindessa’s trial Tuesday, Feb. 10. 2009, in Toronto. (Sun Media/Pam Davies)
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TORONTO, CANADA (NP) – The former boyfriend of a 20-year-old Ryerson University student was convicted this afternoon of her second-degree murder, to the shocked gasps of the victim’s family.
The jury acquitted Arssei Hindessa, 32-year-old immigrant from Ethiopia, of first-degree murder in the May, 2006, death of Natalie Novak.
“No. No,” Novak’s relatives cried out as the jury foreman read the verdict in a Toronto courtroom.
Hindessa had slit Novak’s throat, and stabbed her nine times. The jury deliberated for nearly six days.
Toronto police Detective Stacy Gallant read a statement from Novak’s family, which called on Premier Dalton McGuinty to do more to protect victims of domestic violence. The statement noted that more than 120 women were killed by their male partners between 2002 and 2006, according to provincial data.
“The war is not only in Afghanistan but in the homes of our friends and neighbours. Poisoned dogs generate more press and sympathy than women and children murdered by violent men,” said the Novak family.
Hindessa, an Ethiopian refugee, admitted to killing Ms. Novak, who is from Bracebridge, during his testimony this month. He claimed he was “drunk and paranoid” that night. As well he suggested to the Ontario Superior Court jury that Ms. Novak provoked an argument. “She tried to guilt-trip me,” said Hindessa, who was already under a restraining order because of previous assaults against Ms. Novak.
Crown attorney Mary Humphrey told the jury last week in her closing submission that the killing was “planned and deliberate” by Hindessa.
“Mr. Hindessa is a liar and a manipulator. Please don’t be conned by him,” said Ms. Humphrey, who suggested jealousy was the
motive.
Defence lawyer Aston Hall urged the jury to come back with a manslaughter verdict, suggesting his client had a diminished mental state the evening he killed Ms. Novak.
The jury heard medical evidence Hindessa was delusional and paranoid and may sufferer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being tortured while imprisoned in Ethiopia.
“This is a tragedy all over,” said Mr. Hall outside court after the verdict. “A young woman lost her life. Clearly her family is in pain.”
The verdict was delivered by 11 jurors. The twelfth juror was dismissed yesterday morning after court staff observed her acting erratically. A family member informed the court she had a history of mental illness.
A second-degree murder conviction results in an automatic life sentence, with parole eligibility set between 10 and 25 years.
Six jurors recommended parole ineligibility be set at 25 years. Four others recommended 20 years. The other juror said 15 years.
The recommendations are not binding on Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy.
She will hold a sentencing hearing in May to determine how much time in prison Hindessa must serve before he can apply for parole.
– By Shannon Kari | National Post