THUNDER BAY — A sentencing hearing will be held later this year for a man convicted of second-degree murder in the 2018 death of 32-year-old Irene Barkman.
Peter Keeash was found guilty of second-degree murder by Justice Danial Newton in December 2022 following a five-day trial that opened on Aug. 22. He was also found guilty of two counts of uttering threats to cause death and one count of forcible confinement.
The charges date back to an incident on Oct. 29, 2018 at a Dufferin Street apartment. First responders were called to the residence in the late evening for reports of unresponsive woman.
The woman, later identified as Barkman, was located in a pool of blood and she was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Despite lifesaving efforts, including emergency surgery, Barkman died of her injuries two days later.
A post-mortem examination determined Barkman suffered four stab wounds to the neck, with one penetrating her carotid artery resulting in significant blood loss and death from her brain not receiving enough oxygen.
Newton ruled that based on the totality of the evidence, which included testimony by witnesses who said Keeash attacked Barkman inside the residence during an argument, that he was guilty of second-degree murder.
A conviction on the charge of second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with parole ineligibility ranging from 10 to 25 years.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17.
