Grateful for justice, mother of Jaime Adao Jr. says as men sentenced in 2019 murder

The man who killed ateenager in a violent home invasion that shook Winnipeg'stight-knitFilipino community has been sentenced to life behind bars, with nochance of parole for 12 years.

Ronald Bruce Chubb was sentenced at Manitoba Court of Queen's BenchFriday, after pleading guilty in Octoberto second-degree murder for the 2019 killing of17-year-old Jaime AdaoJr.

Chubb's co-accused, Geordie Delmar James, who also pleaded guilty in October, was sentenced Fridaytofive years in prison for manslaughter.

Jaime's mother, Imelda Adao, was overcome with emotion outside the courtroom.

"We'reso grateful that we got the justice we got the justice and my son's life is not in vain," she said, as her husband rested ahand on her shoulder.

WATCH | Jaime Adao Jr.'s mother is grateful for justice:

'They cannot bring back the life of our son'

4 years ago

Duration 0:46

A grieving Imelda Adao, mother of Jaime Adao Jr., said she forgives the people responsible for the killing of her son, but their sentencing doesn't bring back Jaime.

"This is one of the hardest days again of our lives, but we have the reality now that he's no longer with us.They cannot bring back the life of our son, even though they showed remorse."

The twosentences, issued by Justice Glenn Joyal,were a jointrecommendation from the Crown and defence.

"In a case like this, it's not perfect justice," Joyal told the Adao family,"but it's justice that hopefully brings closure to you, the accused and the community."

According to an agreed statement of facts first presented in courtlast fall,Adao was killed afterthe two men broke into the family'sMcGee Street home on March 3, 2019.

Adaoheard loud banging downstairs and, frightenedfor his sleeping grandma,called 911.

Armed with a knife, Chubb went upstairs andentered the bedroom where Adaowas hiding. A struggle ensued, which washeard by the911 operator.

"The fear in this child's voice had a profound impact on the 911 operator who heard the call," saidCrown attorney Vanessa Gama. "To say it's chilling is an understatement."

Adao was fatally stabbed in theback, neck and armswith akitchen knife.

Chubb, who was"highlyintoxicated," his lawyer told the court, was still holding the weapon when police arrived. When he refused to drop it, Chubb was shot by police.

James, who was stealing family items downstairs,fled the home after hearing the struggleand thegunshots, the court heard.

Sentence deserved, but 'we forgive them': mother

In their victim impact statement,Imelda and her husband,Jaime, fought through tears. They celebrated their son as a respectful,loving person who helped his parents whenever possible, including at the family business, Jimel's Bakery.

"He was so caring and considerate toward us that it makes the pain that we feel now even worse, when we realize that he can't be near us anymore," Imelda said.

The court heard the Adaosfelt sorry forChubb and James, who have spent years in and out of jail.

Chubb had a troubled upbringing, court heard, includingwitnessingthe murder of his older brother when Chubb was 13.He's sufferedfrom addictions and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, his lawyersaid at Friday's sentencing.

"When I heard their story, Ifeel so sorry about them also, becauseif they feel love since their childhood, they're not going to do such things like that in their life," Imelda said through sobs after the sentencing.

She can forgive the men because of her belief in God,she said.

"We forgive them, but they deserve the life sentence," she said, referring to Chubb.

The Crown attorneysaid a mitigating factor contributing to the sentencing was that the two men admitted theirguilt, meaning a trial could be avoided.The Adao family didn't want torelivetheir son's final moments through a trial, or hearthe 911 call, Gama said.

Adao Jr., affectionally known as"Jimboy" to his friends and family, was preparing to graduate from Tec Voc High School when he was killed.His parents later received an honorary high school diplomain his memory.

A talented baker, he was planning to attend Red River College. He hoped to become an executive chef in a hotel and continue learningabout the family business dreams that were ended, said Imelda, through no fault of Jaime's.

"Sometimes I know we're just pretending we're OK," she said after the court hearing,"but deep in our heart, the pain is there."

Two men sentenced in the death of Jaime Adao Jr.

4 years ago

Duration 2:16

Two men will spend years behind bars for the random death of a 17-year-old teenager who was known by friends and family as JimBoy.