Justice Served: Jinelle Thompson Sentenced to Life for Brutal Murder of Allan Lee, No Parole for 12 Years

A somber day in Saint John saw Jinelle Thompson, 38, receive a life sentence for the second-degree murder of her partner, Allan Lee, 47. The emotional sentencing, presided over by Court of King's Bench Justice Kathryn Gregory, stipulates that Thompson will not be eligible for parole for 12 years, bringing a measure of closure to a tragic case that deeply impacted the community and Lee's grieving family.

The horrific incident unfolded on December 21, 2021, when Thompson, then 36, stabbed Lee multiple times at their Bayside Drive home.

Lee, who was in the process of ending their tumultuous relationship and moving out, had been called back to the residence by Thompson shortly before his life was violently cut short. Thompson pleaded guilty to the charge, a step that spared the family the ordeal of a full trial but did little to ease their profound sorrow.

During the sentencing, the court heard heart-wrenching victim impact statements.

Nicole Miller, Lee's daughter, spoke of the immense void left by her father's absence, describing him as a man with a big heart who was deeply loved. Cathy Lee-Stoddard, Lee's sister, echoed the sentiment of unbearable loss, highlighting how her brother's vibrant presence had been cruelly extinguished.

Their words painted a vivid picture of a family shattered by an act of senseless violence, struggling daily with the irreversible consequences.

Crown prosecutor Christopher Lutes argued for a parole eligibility period of 12 to 14 years, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the breach of trust inherent in the relationship.

Defence lawyer Abigail Herrington, while acknowledging the gravity of Thompson's actions, requested a 10-year parole eligibility, pointing to Thompson's difficult upbringing, her own experiences with abuse, and her struggles with mental health and addiction. Thompson herself offered a brief statement, expressing remorse with the words, “I truly am sorry.”

Justice Gregory carefully weighed these factors, acknowledging Thompson's personal hardships.

However, she underscored that such a tragic past does not excuse the taking of a human life. The judge highlighted the aggravating circumstances: the planned nature of the attack, the vulnerability of the victim, and the sheer brutality of the multiple stab wounds. She stated that the sentence must reflect the principles of denunciation and deterrence, sending a clear message that such violence will not be tolerated.

Ultimately, Justice Gregory sided with the Crown's recommendation, setting Thompson's parole eligibility at 12 years.

This decision means Thompson will serve a significant portion of her life sentence before even being considered for release, a consequence that aims to provide both justice for Allan Lee and a measure of accountability for his killer, while hopefully preventing similar tragedies in the future.