TORONTO — An Ontario woman convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her stepdaughter more than two decades ago has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 16 years. Elaine Biddersingh muttered and shook her head as a Toronto judge delivered his sentence on Monday. Biddersingh was convicted in June in the death of 17-year-old Melonie Biddersingh, whose frail body was found in a burning suitcase in an industrial parking lot north of Toronto in 1994. Second-degree murder also carries an automatic life sentence but the court has more latitude on determining parole eligibility. The defence said Elaine Biddersingh was instrumental in solving Melonie’s murder and has not been a danger to society since the girl’s death.

Source: National Post September 19, 2016 16:52 UTC