By Canadian Press

Sentencing continues for man who pleaded guilty to four murders in Penticton, B.C.

Oct 15, 2020 | 2:04 AM

KELOWNA, B.C. — A sentencing hearing is scheduled to continue today for a man who pleaded guilty to four murders last year in Penticton, B.C.

John Brittain pleaded guilty Wednesday in B.C. Supreme Court to three charges of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder. 

The court heard the 69-year-old man killed Rudi Winter, Barry and Susan Wonch, and Darlene Knippelberg on April 15, 2019, shooting each of them multiple times.

Crown attorney Colin Forsyth said Brittain explained to a police interviewer that the victims, who were all neighbours, had been harassing his ex-wife for years.

First- and second-degree murder convictions carry automatic life sentences.

Parole eligibility for first-degree murder is set at 25 years, while it is between 10 and 25 years for second-degree murder.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2020.

The Canadian Press