THUNDER BAY — A Manitouwadge man convicted of second-degree murder for the 2021 stabbing death of his brother has been sentenced to life in prison and will remain in custody for at least 15 years.
Justice Danial Newton handed down his sentence for 40-year-old Jesse Allen in a Thunder Bay courtroom on Friday.
Allen was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury in May 2023 for stabbing his half-brother, 18-year-old Wayne Allen, twice in the chest in front of their father.
The unprovoked attack took place the morning of Jan. 20, 2021, inside Wayne Allen’s home on Flicker Avenue in Manitouwadge where he lived with his father, Glenn Allen.
According to testimony from a family friend and Glenn Allen, who were present at the time, Jesse got up without saying anything and walked over to Wayne and stabbed him twice in the chest.
Following the attack, Jesse Allen was observed saying: ‘how do you like that dad, two birds with one stone,’ and kept repeating: ‘I want my house back.’ He later said: ‘Wayne’s not dead, Wayne’s not dead,’ to his father, Glenn.
During the trial, defence counsel George Joseph told the jury that it was admitted Jesse Allen caused the death of Wayne Allen, but argued he did not possess the state of mind to intentionally end his life and should be convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The jury disagreed and Jesse Allen was found guilty of second-degree murder, which carries with it an automatic life sentence and parole ineligibility ranging between 10 and 25 years.
Crown attorney Katrina Van Kessel argued for 18 years of parole ineligibility, citing the aggravating factor of Jesse Allen’s relationship to Wayne Allen and his breaching the trust he shared with his brother, father, and family.
Joseph was seeking a term of 10 years parole ineligibility, arguing Jesse Allen expressed genuine remorse for his actions and that the intent to cause death was a triable issue in this case.
In his decision on sentence, Newton said he agreed with the Crown regarding the aggravating factor in this case of Jesse Allen’s relationship with Wayne Allen.
“Mr. Allen murdered his half-brother in his home in the presence of his father and he was just 18-years-old and defenceless when he was murdered,” Newton said.
Newton also referenced the significant impact Wayne Allen’s death has had on his father, mother, extended family, and communities.
“All expressed their tremendous loss and impact it has had on them,” Newton said.
Ultimately, Newton sentenced Jesse Allen to life in prison with a period of parole ineligibility for 15 years. He is also required to submit a DNA sample, is prohibited from possessing a weapon for life, and is to have no contact with several of Wayne Allen’s family members for the duration of his sentence.
