A sigh of relief could be heard in a packed Kelowna Supreme Courtroom on the morning of April 2, as Ka-Mikosit Mae Favelle was sentenced to 10 years behind bars by Justice Catherine Murray.
The 30-year-old woman from West Kelowna had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, Adam Briand-Lawrence, stemming from an incident on Aug. 19, 2022.
The victim’s sister, Stephanie Lawrence, sat in the front row of the courtroom gallery clutching her brother’s ashes when the decision was read.
“We feel like the justice system actually came through,” said Stephanie, following the sentencing.
Justice Murray told the court that Favelle has no remorse for her actions.
“She is callous when asked to reflect on how the loss of Mr. Briand-Lawrence may have impacted his family,” said Justice Murray, adding that Favelle’s concerns appear to be only for herself.
Although Favelle has no criminal record and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, saving the victim’s family from sitting through a trial, Justice Murray called it a “serious violent crime driven by anger” and that Favelle’s “moral blameworthiness is at the high end of the scale.”
Justice Murray explained that Favelle’s risk factors are high and that Favelle’s “perception of herself appears not to be grounded in reality.”
Those risk factors include problems forming attachments leading to conflictual relationships, questionable prospects for rehabilitation, and continued use of alcohol and substances, especially in times of stress and anxiety. Justice Murray noted Favelle’s failure to return to court after the lunch break on Jan. 23 during a sentencing hearing due to using multiple illicit substances and being taken to hospital for an alleged overdose.
The 10-year sentence is higher than the Crown’s recommendation of seven years.
“This sentence must protect the public by denouncing Miss Favelle’s conduct, deterring her and others from taking reckless gambles that endanger others… Miss Favelle knew the risks of her actions, and she chose to take them ,” the Justice said.
Favelle has also been ordered to provide a DNA sample and has been placed under a 10-year weapons prohibition.
On Aug. 19, 2022, Favelle was driving along Horizon Drive in West Kelowna, with Briand-Lawrence as a passenger. The couple, who the court heard had been together since February of that year, started to argue, and the victim exited the vehicle. Both parties were said to have alcohol and drugs in their system at the time.
The court heard that Favelle continued along Horizon Drive before making a U-turn and accelerating toward the victim at about 95 kilometres per hour. As Favelle drove toward the victim, she turned the wheel two seconds prior to reaching Briand-Lawrence but failed to maneuver the car, ultimately striking and killing him. Briand-Lawrence was 35 years old at the time of his death.