Teen Killer Gets 7 Years for Double Murder

A Manitoba judge sentenced an 18-year-old man to seven years for two second-degree murders committed when he was 15. The sentence, handed down on February 7, 2026, represents the maximum available under youth law. The Crown had sought an adult sentence, which would have resulted in a life imprisonment term.

The offender pleaded guilty to killing Dawn Ballantyne and Marvin William Felix on August 22, 2022. These assaults happened within an hour of each other in Winnipeg's Point Douglas neighborhood. Ballantyne was found severely injured in a building hallway, while Felix was attacked while sleeping in his wheelchair.

Justice Sarah Inness expressed significant unease, noting strong concerns about the man's rehabilitation prospects within the sentence length. The judge considered his difficult street survival, history of running away from group homes, cognitive limitations, and potential influence from his co-accused. Incidents of worsening behavior and bragging about the crimes while incarcerated were noted as indicators of dangerousness rather than maturity.

Despite the brutality of the offenses and the irreparable harm caused to the victims' families, the judge concluded that the man's actions were not predatory and were influenced by intoxication and association. The sentence includes four years in custody and three years of supervision. Time served awaiting trial will not be credited, to maximize rehabilitation efforts.