Family of murdered Burnaby woman prepares for killer's sentencing hearing

Nicole Porciello'sfamilyis rememberingherasa lovingmother, sisterand friendas they prepare themselves for the sentencing hearing for the man who killed her.

The 34-year-old Burnaby woman diedafter her ex-partner stabbed her and then crashedthe vehicle they were riding in intoa light pole on the Barnet Highwayin November 2018.

"I live with how she died every day andit affects me. And I'm not the same person,"Carmine Porciello, Nicole's older brother told CBC. "My parents aren't the same.They'realive but they're not living."

Jan Poepl, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in her death.

Nicole's son, who was 10 at the time of her death,was left without a mother and thefamily has been shattered in the years since, said Carmine Porciello.

"We were a very close family, you know.I don't go to my parents' house like I used to becauseI just see the sadness and it's a constant reminder."

Porciello's brother says the two had an on-and-off relationship butNicole had broken things off in the months before her death.

"It just kills me that this all happened over selfishness that someone couldn't have something. Because it's nothing more than that," said Carmine Porciello.

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A B.C. judge will hear victim impact statements WednesdayasPoepl's sentencing hearing begins.

A conviction for second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence, but the court will make a decision on Poepl's parole eligibility, which could be anywhere from 10 to 25 years.Family and friends are hoping for the maximum.

"Justice to me is that the law is exercised to its highest degree. Nothing can bring her back, but at least that would be something," said Ashley Engleson, a friend of Nicole's since Grade 8.

"She was just a shining light in our family," said Carmine Porciello. "That light went out too soon."

Englesonsays Nicole, who worked as aneducationalassistant at Vancouver's TempletonSecondary School,had a natural gift when it came to connecting with kids.

"They responded so well to her," said Engleson. "She made a huge difference in many children's lives."

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for two days, wrapping up March 11.

The B.C. Prosecution Service tells CBCit's not clear when the court will rule on parole eligibility.