Justice Served: Judge Orders Full Sentence for Langley Teen’s Killer

A judge has decided that a young offender, convicted of manslaughter in the tragic death of 14-year-old Carson Crimeni, must serve his full prison sentence. This decision comes after the offender, who is not named due to being under 18 during the crime, sought to reduce his 18-month prison term, which could have been followed by 18 months of supervised release.

Carson’s untimely death occurred on August 7, 2019, after he overdosed on MDMA, a drug he received at Walnut Grove skate park. The offender admitted to selling Carson a smaller dose initially, but when Carson requested more, he provided a much larger amount, leading to a fatal overdose. An autopsy revealed that Carson ingested a dose far exceeding what was intended, resulting in a blood alcohol level significantly higher than typical for his age.

Following Carson’s overdose, disturbing videos of him in distress circulated online, showing other youths laughing at his plight. He was discovered hours later in medical distress and died despite efforts to save him.

In light of the case, the justice system took its time to investigate, leading to charges in 2022. The recent petition for a sentence review took place under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which allows for such assessments after the first year. Justice Kathleen Ker presided over the review, taking into consideration the offender’s behavior while in custody.

While behind bars, the young man has made some progress. He completed his high school education, earned a diploma, and participated in various programs, including carpentry and first aid. However, his conduct took a downward turn recently. He was involved in inappropriate activities, such as foraging for mushrooms and constructing unauthorized structures inside the facility.

Justice Ker noted that while the offender demonstrated some positive changes, they were not enough to warrant an early release. She referred to his overall efforts as not exceptional enough to alter the original sentence.

This case has sparked discussions on youth sentencing and the impact of substance abuse among teenagers. A 2022 survey from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction highlighted that nearly 20% of adolescents reported using illicit substances, with many unaware of the risks.

Carson’s story serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of drug use and the serious consequences that can arise from it. With discussions around youth rehabilitation still evolving, the question remains: can we do better to prevent such tragedies in the future? For more insights into youth and substance abuse, explore the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

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Carson Crimeni|Court|young offender